Periareolar Access for Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery: The Brazilian Technique

The periareolar access has been the preferred technique used at our institution for minimally invasive cardiac surgery since 2006. The surgical approach consists of video-assisted minithoracotomy in the 4th right intercostal space, through a periareolar incision. Initially, the technique was restricted to minimally invasive mitral valve surgeries but, due to its feasibility and safety, was soon incorporated as an ideal access for other cardiac pathologies such as tricuspid valve disease, atrial septal defect, atrial fibrillation, and pacemaker leads endocarditis. The technique was performed in 214 patients, and it is associated with excellent aesthetic and functional results, with low morbimortality and no reoperations at long-term follow-up. Here, we describe and support the use of periareolar access as a routine surgical technique for correction of several cardiac pathologies, especially in women.