Total endoscopic repair of atrial septal defect under on-pump beating heart

We previously reported the techniques for total endoscopic atrial septal defect (ASD) repair on hearts arrested with cardioplegia through three small incisions in the chest wall without aid of a surgical robotic system. The optimal results motivated us to use total thoracoscopic technology for ASD on perfused beating hearts.

From 2010 to 2017, 161 patients with a mean age of 28.31±12.34 years who underwent non-robotically assisted total thoracoscopic closure for ASD were included in this study, and those patients were also divided into two groups, including group A and group B. In group A, 115 patients underwent the procedure on beating hearts without aorta cross-clamped; in group B, 46 patients underwent the procedure on hearts arrested with cardioplegia with aorta cross-clamped. Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was peripherally achieved as well.

Total thoracoscopic ASD closures were successfully performed without in-hospital mortality or other serious complications in all patients of both groups. Dacron or bovine patches were used in 81 and 32 patients in the two groups, respectively. Duration of operation, duration of CPB, aorta cross-clamped time, duration of mechanical ventilation, the length of intensive care unit (ICU) and post-operative hospital stay in group A, were all shorter than those in group B (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in blood transfusion during operation or post-operation thoracic drainage. During follow-up, echocardiograms at 3, 30, 90 and 365, showed no residual shunt or tricuspid regurgitation.

Total thoracoscopic closure of ASD without assistance of a surgical robotic system on beating heart is safe and feasible and can be used as a therapeutic option for ASD, and by using the mentioned technique, less injuries are applied to patients.