[Tricuspid Valve Surgery through Transareolar Approach].

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Thoracic Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

• Right minithoracotomy is a standard approach for mitral and tricuspid valve surgery.
• Transareolar incision offers advantages over submammary incision for antegrade cardioplegia and cosmesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of the transareolar approach for minimally invasive tricuspid valve repair.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 11 patients undergoing tricuspid valve repair via transareolar approach between 2016 and 2019.
• Analysis of patient demographics, pathologies, and surgical outcomes.

Main Results:

• Mean age was 58 years, with 8 females and a mean body surface area of 1.47 m2.
• Common pathologies included atrial septal defect (8 patients).
• One hospital mortality occurred in a patient with pacemaker lead infection; no late deaths were reported.

Conclusions:

• The transareolar approach is a feasible option for tricuspid valve surgery.
• This technique provides good cosmesis and facilitates cardioplegia delivery.
• Further studies may explore its broader application in tricuspid valve interventions.