Simplified Tool for Sizing in Minimally Invasive Mitral Annuloplasty: A Homemade Technique

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Surgical Innovation
• Medical Device Development

Background:

• Minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) is increasingly adopted for mitral valve procedures.
• Advancements in MICS necessitate specialized surgical instruments and setups.
• Accurate mitral annular sizing is crucial for successful valve repair and replacement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel, homemade tool for mitral annular sizing.
• To design a device suitable for the constraints of minimally invasive surgical access.
• To provide a simple and cost-effective solution for mitral annular measurement in MICS.

Main Methods:

• Development of a plastic-based, foldable paper annular sizing tool.
• Testing the tool's feasibility for insertion through a minithoracotomy.
• Utilizing standard surgical forceps for tool manipulation.

Main Results:

• The homemade tool is easily foldable and insertable through a minithoracotomy.
• The tool is designed to be simple and compatible with mini surgical access.
• The device facilitates accurate mitral annular sizing in MICS.

Conclusions:

• A simple, foldable paper tool can effectively aid mitral annular sizing in MICS.
• This innovation addresses the need for specialized instruments in minimally invasive cardiac surgery.
• The developed tool offers a practical solution for improving mitral valve surgery outcomes.