Redefining Access: Transition from Conventional to Transaxillary Endoscopic Aortic Valve and Ascending Aorta...

Background: Minimally invasive approaches for combined aortic valve and ascending aortic surgery remain challenging. We report a case of utilizing a transaxillary approach (TAX) in combination with the RAM^® system. Methods: A 65-year-old male presented with exertional angina and palpitations. He reported a one-year history of dizziness. Diagnostics revealed severe aortic regurgitation due to a calcified bicuspid aortic valve and an ascending aortic aneurysm measuring 57 × 54 mm. Left ventricular ejection fraction was reduced to 42%. Coronary artery disease was excluded. Surgery was performed via a right transaxillary mini-thoracotomy (3rd intercostal space) using endoscopic visualization. Cardiopulmonary bypass was established through femoral cannulation. After aortic cross-clamping and cardioplegic arrest, the bicuspid valve was excised and replaced with a bioprosthesis. A supracoronary ascending aortic replacement was performed using a Dacron graft. The RAM^® system was used for annular suturing and proximal anastomosis, with automated fastener fixation. Results: The patient was extubated on postoperative day 1 and transferred to intermediate care on day 2. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, with no neurological deficits, bleeding, or other complications. Discharge occurred on postoperative day 9 in stable condition. Conclusions: This case highlights the feasibility and safety of a minimally invasive transaxillary approach for combined aortic valve and ascending aortic replacement using the RAM^® system. This technique may expand the surgical armamentarium for complex aortic pathology while avoiding sternotomy. Further studies are required to evaluate reproducibility, long-term outcomes, and broader applicability.