Atrial Septal Defect Closure via Ministernotomy in Children
Igor E Konstantinov1, Edward Buratto2
1Department of Cardiac Surgery, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; Heart Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; Melbourne Centre for Cardiovascular Genomics and Regenerative Medicine, Melbourne, Vic, Australia.
Abstract:
Atrial septal defect (ASD) closure is usually performed in children via a conventional sternotomy. In striving to improve the cosmetic result, we have adopted a lower ministernotomy approach with a very small skin incision. We present a single surgeon experience of 110 consecutive patients undergoing surgical closure of ASD, comparing conventional (n=55) and mini-sternotomy (n=55) approaches. Our ministernotomy technique avoids direct superior vena cava cannulation, allowing for a smaller incision, while providing adequate exposure. The ministernotomy approach is safe and provides an excellent cosmetic result.
