This work was supported by a grant (N&#176; 32119) of the Swiss Cardiovascular Foundation to RT.

The protocol follows our institutional guidelines of the human research ethics committee.
1. Patient Selection (Table 1)
<ol>
	<li>Identify patients necessitating isolated aortic valve replacement14.</li>
	<li>Select among these patients a subgroup without major chest deformities (Kypho-scoliosis), previous history of irradiation or surgery of the right hemi-thorax, need for emergency operation, and operation for active endocarditis.</li>
	<li>Perform a chest computed...

<ol>
	<li>Supino, P. G., Borer, J. S., Preibisz, J., Bornstein, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+epidemiology+of+valvular+heart+disease:+a+growing+public+health+problem.">The epidemiology of valvular heart disease: a growing public health problem.</a> Heart. Fail. Clin. 2 (4), 379-393 (2006).</li><li>Carabello, B. A., Paulus, W. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Aortic+stenosis.">Aortic stenosis.</a> The Lancet. 373 (9667), 956-966 (2009).</li><li>Bonow, R. O., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Focused+update+incorporated+into+the+ACC/AHA+2006+guidelines+for+the+management+of+patients+with+valvular+heart+disease.">Focused update incorporated into the ACC/AHA 2006 guidelines for the management of patients with valvular heart disease.</a> Circulation. 118 (15), 523-661 (2008).</li><li>Brown, J. M., O'Brien, S. M., Wu, C., Sikora, J. A. H., Griffith, B. P., Gammie, J. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Isolated+aortic+valve+replacement+in+North+America+comprising+108,687+patients+in+10+years:+changes+in+risks,+valve+types,+and+outcomes+in+the+Society+of+Thoracic+Surgeons+National+Database.">Isolated aortic valve replacement in North America comprising 108,687 patients in 10 years: changes in risks, valve types, and outcomes in the Society of Thoracic Surgeons National Database.</a> J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. 137 (1), 82-90 (2009).</li><li>Cribier, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Percutaneous+transcatheter+implantation+of+an+aortic+valve+prosthesis+for+calcific+aortic+stenosis.+First+human+case+description.">Percutaneous transcatheter implantation of an aortic valve prosthesis for calcific aortic stenosis. First human case description.</a> Circulation. 106 (24), 3006-3008 (2002).</li><li>Leon, M. B., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Transcatheter+aortic-valve+implantation+for+aortic+stenosis+in+patients+who+cannot+undergo+surgery.">Transcatheter aortic-valve implantation for aortic stenosis in patients who cannot undergo surgery.</a> N. Engl. J. Med. 363 (17), 1597-1607 (2010).</li><li>Popma, J. J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Transcatheter+aortic+valve+replacement+using+a+self-expanding+bioprosthesis+in+patients+with+severe+aortic+stenosis+at+extreme+risk+for+surgery.">Transcatheter aortic valve replacement using a self-expanding bioprosthesis in patients with severe aortic stenosis at extreme risk for surgery.</a> J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. 63 (19), 1972-1981 (2014).</li><li>Smith, C. R., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Transcatheter+versus+surgical+aortic-valve+replacement+in+high-risk+patients.">Transcatheter versus surgical aortic-valve replacement in high-risk patients.</a> N. Engl. J. Med. 364 (23), 2187-2198 (2011).</li><li>Adams, D. H., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Transcatheter+aortic-valve+replacement+with+a+self-expanding+prosthesis.">Transcatheter aortic-valve replacement with a self-expanding prosthesis.</a> N. Engl. J. Med. 370 (19), 1790-1798 (2014).</li><li>Glauber, M., Ferrarini, M., Miceli, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Minimally+invasive+aortic+valve+surgery:+state+of+the+art+and+future+directions.">Minimally invasive aortic valve surgery: state of the art and future directions.</a> Ann. Cardiothorac. Surg. 4 (1), 26-32 (2015).</li><li>Malaisrie, S. C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Current+era+minimally+invasive+aortic+valve+replacement:+techniques+and+practice.">Current era minimally invasive aortic valve replacement: techniques and practice.</a> J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. 147 (1), 6-14 (2014).</li><li>Benetti, F. J., Mariani, M. A., Rizzardi, J. L., Benetti, I. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Minimally+invasive+aortic+valve+replacement.">Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement.</a> J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. 113 (4), 806-807 (1997).</li><li>Murtuza, B., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Minimal+access+aortic+valve+replacement:+is+it+worth+it.">Minimal access aortic valve replacement: is it worth it.</a> Ann. Thorac. Surg. 85 (3), 1121-1131 (2008).</li><li>Tavakoli, R., Jamshidi, P., Gassmann, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Full-root+aortic+valve+replacement+by+stentless+aortic+xenografts+in+patients+with+small+aortic.">Full-root aortic valve replacement by stentless aortic xenografts in patients with small aortic.</a> J. Vis. Exp. (123), (2017).</li><li>Roques, F., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=LRisk+factors+and+outcome+in+european+cardiac+surgery:+analysis+of+the+EuroSCORE+multinational+database+of+19030+patients.">LRisk factors and outcome in european cardiac surgery: analysis of the EuroSCORE multinational database of 19030 patients.</a> Eur. J. Cardiothorac. Surg. 15 (6), 816-823 (1999).</li><li>Bowdish, M. E., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+comparison+of+aortic+valve+replacement+via+an+anterior+right+minithoracotomy+with+standard+sternotomy:+a+propensity+score+analysis+of+492+patients.">A comparison of aortic valve replacement via an anterior right minithoracotomy with standard sternotomy: a propensity score analysis of 492 patients.</a> Eur. J. Cardiothorac. Surg. 49 (2), 456-463 (2016).</li><li>Bethencourt, D. M., Le, J., Rodriguez, G., Kalayjian, R. W., Thomas, G. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Minimally+invasive+aortic+valve+replacement+via+right+anterior+minithoracotomy+and+central+aortic+cannulation:+A+13-Year+experience.">Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement via right anterior minithoracotomy and central aortic cannulation: A 13-Year experience.</a> Innovations (Phila). 12 (2), 87-94 (2017).</li><li>Lamelas, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Minimally+invasive+aortic+valve+replacement:+the+"Miami+Method".">Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement: the "Miami Method".</a> Ann Cardiothorac. Surg. 4 (1), 71-77 (2015).</li><li>Murzi, M., Glauber, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Central+versus+femoral+cannulation+during+minimally+invasive+aortic+valve+replacement.">Central versus femoral cannulation during minimally invasive aortic valve replacement.</a> Ann. Cardiothorac. Surg. 4 (1), 59-61 (2015).</li><li>Grossi, E. A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Evolution+of+operative+techniques+and+perfusion+strategies+for+minimally+invasive+mitral+valve+repair.">Evolution of operative techniques and perfusion strategies for minimally invasive mitral valve repair.</a> J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. 143 (4), 68-70 (2012).</li><li>LaPietra, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Incidence+of+cerebrovascular+accidents+in+patients+undergoing+minimally+invasive+valve+surgery.">Incidence of cerebrovascular accidents in patients undergoing minimally invasive valve surgery.</a> J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. 148 (1), 156-160 (2014).</li><li>Gammie, J. S., Zhao, Y., Peterson, E. D., O'Brien, S. M., Rankin, J. S., Griffith, B. P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Less-invasive+mitral+valve+operations:+trends+and+outcomes+from+the+Society+of+Thoracic+Surgeons+Adult+Cardiac+Surgery+database.">Less-invasive mitral valve operations: trends and outcomes from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Adult Cardiac Surgery database.</a> Ann Thorac Surg. 90 (5), 1408-1410 (2010).</li><li>Grossi, E. A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Minimally+invasive+valve+surgery+with+antegrade+perfusion+strategy+is+not+associated+with+increased+neurological+complications.">Minimally invasive valve surgery with antegrade perfusion strategy is not associated with increased neurological complications.</a> Ann. Thorac. Surg. 92 (4), 1346-1350 (2011).</li><li>Murzi, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Antegrade+and+retrograde+arterial+perfusion+strategy+in+minimally+invasive+mitral-valve+surgery:+a+propensity+score+analysis+on+1280+patients.">Antegrade and retrograde arterial perfusion strategy in minimally invasive mitral-valve surgery: a propensity score analysis on 1280 patients.</a> Eur. J. Cardiothorac. Surg. 43 (6), 167-172 (2013).</li><li>Glauber, M., Farneti, A., Solinas, M., Karimov, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Aortic+valve+replacement+through+a+right+minithoracotomy.">Aortic valve replacement through a right minithoracotomy.</a> Multimed. Man. Cardiothorac. Surg. 2006 (1110), (2006).</li><li>D'Agostino, R. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+Society+of+Thoracic+Surgeons+Adult+Cardiac+Surgery+Database:+2016+Update+on+Outcomes+and+Quality.">The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Adult Cardiac Surgery Database: 2016 Update on Outcomes and Quality.</a> Ann. Thorac. Surg. 101 (1), 24-32 (2016).</li><li>Glauber, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Right+anterior+minithoracotomy+versus+conventional+aortic+valve+replacement:+A+propensity+score+matched+study.">Right anterior minithoracotomy versus conventional aortic valve replacement: A propensity score matched study.</a> J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. 145 (5), 1222-1226 (2013).</li><li>Jones, D. A., Tch&#233;tch&#233;, D., Forrest, J., Hellig, F., Lansky, A., Moat, N. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+SURTAVI+study:+TAVI+for+patients+with+intermediate+risk.">The SURTAVI study: TAVI for patients with intermediate risk.</a> EuroIntervention. 13 (5), 617-620 (2017).</li></ol>

The authors have nothing to disclose.

In this protocol, we describe in detail the technique of right anterior mini-thoracotomy for isolated aortic valve replacement, and highlight the patient selection criteria for this procedure. As for any other therapeutic intervention, proper patient selection is the key to successful accomplishment of the procedure. The optimal CT measurements for consideration of patients for this technique are precisely described in this protocol, and are based on experience and consider the extensive work of Dr. Glauber and coworkers...

Among heart valve lesions diagnosed as hemodynamically relevant and clinically receiving particular attention, aortic valve stenosis is the most common valvular pathology in the United States and developed countries1,2. In the Cardiovascular Health Study, 2% of patients had frank aortic stenosis, with a clear increase in prevalence with growing age: 1.3% in patients aged 65-75 years, 2.4% in those aged 75-85 years, and 4% in patients older than 85 years1. For symptomatic patients presenting with severe aortic valve stenosis, aortic valve replacement is a Class I recommendation in the guidelines of the American Heart Association for the management of patients with valvular heart disease3.
Conventional surgical aortic valve replacement through median full sternotomy (FS) has been established as the gold standard for treating aortic valve stenosis with excellent results in terms of morbidity and mortality4. These results have encouraged the extension of therapeutic indications to older patients and patients with a higher risk profile. A number of treatment strategies have been implemented in these patient subsets to maintain the same good results achieved by conventional surgical aortic valve replacement in the general population. Among these alternative treatment modalities, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) was introduced in 2002 by Cribier and colleagues5. Performed initially in moribund patients, TAVI has rapidly emerged as the treatment of choice for patients with severe aortic stenosis who are not suitable for conventional surgical aortic valve replacement6,7, or as a less invasive approach for surgery for patients at high risk8,9.
Despite the improved outcomes of TAVI in selected patient subsets, many patients with symptomatic aortic valve stenosis are still candidates for surgical aortic valve replacement. In these patients, FS aortic valve replacement is the most frequently used approach by cardiac surgeons. Nevertheless, various &#39;minimally invasive&#39; techniques have been developed with the rationale of reducing surgical trauma10. All these minimal-access techniques have aimed at improving patient comfort by reducing post-operative pain and accelerating patient recovery by shortening the hospital stay and potentially saving global costs10. Among minimally invasive incisional approaches upper hemi-sternotomy (UHS) and right anterior mini-thoracotomy (RAMT) have become the predominant techniques reported in the literature11. Right anterior mini-thoracotomy for aortic valve replacement was initially reported by Benetti et al.12, and upper hemi-sternotomy was first described by several authors11. In addition to incisional alternatives, two arterial perfusion strategies are currently used: i) peripheral femoral arterial cannulation, which is more frequently employed than ii) central aortic cannulation.
In spite of reported improvement in patient outcomes following minimally invasive aortic valve replacement, concerns about the disadvantages of restricted operative field and peripheral arterial perfusion strategies13 lead many cardiac surgeons to not let their patients benefit from potential advantages of minimal access approaches for aortic valve replacement. The goal of this protocol is to describe in detail this technique of minimally invasive aortic valve replacement through a right anterior mini-thoracotomy without rib resection/fracture, and with central aortic cannulation for arterial perfusion. By following this protocol, a larger number of cardiac surgeons can perform right anterior mini-thoracotomy for aortic valve replacement in certain patient groups. Patient selection and limitations of the technique are discussed. Early results are compared to those of a cohort of patients undergoing isolated aortic valve replacement by full sternotomy.

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width:761px;" width="761">
	<colgroup>
		<col />
		<col />
		<col />
		<col />
	</colgroup>
	<tbody>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:368px;">Heart surgery infrastructure:</td>
			<td style="width:163px;"></td>
			<td style="width:151px;"></td>
			<td style="width:80px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">Heart Lung Machine</td>
			<td>Stockert</td>
			<td>SIII</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">EOPA 24Fr. arterial cannula</td>
			<td>Medtronic</td>
			<td>77624</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">FemFlex arterial cannula</td>
			<td>Edwards</td>
			<td>FEMII20A</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">Quickdraw 25Fr. femoral venous cannula</td>
			<td>Edwards</td>
			<td>QD25</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">Biomedicus 25Fr. Nextgen venous cannula</td>
			<td>Medtronic</td>
			<td>96670-125</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">LV vent catheter 17Fr.</td>
			<td>Edwards</td>
			<td>E061</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">Antegrade 9Fr. cardioplegia cannula</td>
			<td>Edwards</td>
			<td>AR012V</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">Coronary artery ostial cannula 90&#176;</td>
			<td>Medtronic</td>
			<td>30155</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">Coronary artery ostial cannula 45&#176;</td>
			<td>Medtronic</td>
			<td>30255</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">Soft tissue retractor</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;">STAR soft tissue atraumatic retractor</td>
			<td>Estech</td>
			<td>EC400220</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">Soft tissue retractor</td>
			<td>Edwards</td>
			<td>TRM</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="23">
			<td height="23" style="height:23px;">Electrocautery</td>
			<td>Covidien</td>
			<td>Force FXTM</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">Sutures:</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">Polypropylene 4/0</td>
			<td>Ethicon</td>
			<td>8871H</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">Polypropylene 5/0</td>
			<td>Ethicon</td>
			<td>8870H</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">Braided polyesther 2/0 ligature with polybutylate coating&#160;</td>
			<td>Ethicon</td>
			<td>X305H</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">Braided polyesther2/0 with pledgets V5</td>
			<td>Ethicon</td>
			<td>MEH7715N</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">Braided polyglactin 2/0 suture</td>
			<td>Ethicon</td>
			<td>V114H</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">Braided polyglactin 0 suture</td>
			<td>Ethicon</td>
			<td>W9996</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">Drugs:</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">Midazolam</td>
			<td>Roche Pharma</td>
			<td>N05CD08</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">Rocuronium</td>
			<td>MSD Merck Sharp &#38; Dohme&#160;</td>
			<td>M03AC09</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">Propofol</td>
			<td>Fresenius Kabi</td>
			<td>N01AX10</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">Fentanil</td>
			<td>Actavis</td>
			<td>N01AH01</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">Heparin</td>
			<td>Braun</td>
			<td>B01AB01</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">Protamin</td>
			<td>MEDA Pharmaceutical</td>
			<td>V03AB14</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">Custodiol cardioplegia solution</td>
			<td>Dr. F. K&#246;hler Chemie GmbH</td>
			<td>B05CX10</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">Instruments:</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">Window access retractor SI</td>
			<td>Estech</td>
			<td>400-400</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">SI retractor blade 40W50L</td>
			<td>Estech</td>
			<td>400-172</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">Ceramo atraumatic forceps 2.8x15/350</td>
			<td>Fehling</td>
			<td>FE-MRA-3</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">Ceramo HCR valve forceps 3.0x15/350</td>
			<td>Fehling</td>
			<td>FE-MRA-0</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">Ceramo HCR needle holder 2x10/340</td>
			<td>Fehling</td>
			<td>FE-MRB-2</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">Ceramo TC HCR needle holder curved 3x10/340</td>
			<td>Fehling</td>
			<td>FE-MRG-9</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">Ceramo HCR valve scissors 350</td>
			<td>Fehling</td>
			<td>FE-MRA-7</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">Ceramo HCR curved scissors 350</td>
			<td>Fehling</td>
			<td>FE-MRA-6</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">Cygnet flexible arched aortic clamp</td>
			<td>Vitalitec</td>
			<td>V10143</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">Intrack insert set double traction</td>
			<td>Vitalitec</td>
			<td>N10122</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">Dissection forceps Carpentier</td>
			<td>Delacroix-Chevalier</td>
			<td>DC13110-28&#160;</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">Scissors Metzenbaum</td>
			<td>Delacroix-Chevalier</td>
			<td>B351751</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">Needle holder Ryder</td>
			<td>Delacroix-Chevalier</td>
			<td>DC51130-20&#160;</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">Dissection forceps DeBakey</td>
			<td>Delacroix-Chevalier</td>
			<td>DC12000-21&#160;</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">Lung retractor</td>
			<td>Delacroix-Chevalier</td>
			<td>B803990</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">Allis clamp</td>
			<td>Delacroix-Chevalier</td>
			<td>DC45907-25&#160;</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">O&#8217;Shaugnessy Dissector</td>
			<td>Delacroix-Chevalier</td>
			<td>B60650</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">18 blade knife</td>
			<td>Delacroix-Chevalier</td>
			<td>B130180</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">11 blade knife</td>
			<td>Premiere</td>
			<td>9311-2PK</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">Leriche haemostatic clamp</td>
			<td>Delacroix-Chevalier</td>
			<td>B86555</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">Data analysis</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;">Mann-Whitney and Chi-square tests</td>
			<td>GraphPad</td>
			<td>Prism 7</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

technique and patient selection criteria of right anterior mini-thoracotomy for minimal access aortic valve replacement

Aortic valve stenosis has become the most prevalent valvular heart disease in developed countries, and is due to the aging of these populations. The incidence of the pathology increases with growing age after 65 years. Conventional surgical aortic valve replacement through median sternotomy has been the gold standard of patient care for symptomatic aortic valve stenosis. However, as the risk profile of patients worsens, other therapeutic strategies have been introduced in an attempt to maintain the excellent results obtained by the established surgical treatment. One of these approaches is represented by transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Although the outcomes of high-risk patients undergoing treatment for symptomatic aortic valve stenosis have improved with transcatheter aortic valve replacement, many patients with this condition remain candidates for surgical aortic valve replacement. In order to reduce the surgical trauma in patients who are candidates for surgical aortic valve replacement, minimally invasive approaches have garnered interest during the past decade. Since the introduction of right anterior thoracotomy for aortic valve replacement in 1993, right anterior mini-thoracotomy and upper hemi-sternotomy have become the predominant incisional approaches among cardiac surgeons performing minimal access aortic valve replacement. Beside the location of the incision, the arterial cannulation site represents the second major landmark of minimal access techniques for aortic valve replacement. The two most frequently used arterial cannulation sites include central aortic and peripheral femoral approaches. With the purpose of reducing surgical trauma in these patients, we have opted for a right anterior mini-thoracotomy approach with a central aortic cannulation site. This protocol describes in detail a technique for minimally invasive aortic valve replacement and provides recommendations for patient selection criteria, including cardiac computer tomography measurements. The indications and limitations of this technique, as well as its alternatives, are discussed.

Statistical analysis is done for continuous variables (presented as means &#177; SD) in Table 2, Table 3, and Table 4 using the non-parametric Mann Whitney test. Categorical variables are presented as percentages in Table 2, Table 3, and Table 4, and are compared by the Chi-square test. The statistical analyses are performed using commercially available software, with a statistical signif...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Technique and Patient Selection Criteria of Right Anterior Mini-Thoracotomy for Minimal Access Aortic Valve Replacement at JoVE.com

Technique and Patient Selection Criteria of Right Anterior Mini-Thoracotomy for Minimal Access Aortic Valve Replacement

The goal of this protocol is to describe in detail the technique of minimally invasive aortic valve replacement through a right anterior mini-thoracotomy and central aortic cannulation. This technique can potentially enhance patients&#39; comfort and, by reducing post-operative morbidity, promote lowering the length of stay and global costs.

Aortic valve stenosis has become the most prevalent valvular heart disease in developed countries, and is due to the aging of these populations. The ...

The overall goal of this protocol is to perform a minimally invasive aortic valve replacement through a right anterior mini-thoracotomy with central aortic cannulation. This method can help answer key questions regarding minimally invasive approaches for other heart valves, including the mitral and the tricuspid valves. The main advantage of this technique is that it combines a central aortic cannulation with the preservation of rib integrity.After marking the incision site, use an 18 blade knife to make an eight centimeter transverse incision one centimeter to the right of the sternal edge over the intercostal space of interest, followed by electrocauterization of the pectoralis and the superficial layers of the intercostal muscles. Enlarge the intercostal muscle opening with electrocautery. Then, enter the right pleura with Metzenbaum scissors to avoid injury to the right lung and free the right internal thoracic pedicle from the fascia and soft tissue.Insert a soft tissue retractor into the right pleura and secure the retractor in place. Place a minimal access retractor over the soft tissue retractor, and gently open the minimal access retractor. Gently push down the right lung with a gauze to expose the pericardium and cut the fat with electrocautery.Open the pericardium cranially over the ascending aorta and caudally over the right atria. After locating the right superior pulmonary vein, to expose the distal end of the ascending aorta, use a peanut gauze to gently push down the ascending aorta. Use a 4-0 polypropylene suture to place the first purse-string for aortic cannulation just below the distal pericardial reflection line over the ascending aorta.Use another 4-0 polypropylene suture to add a second purse-string around the first suture to complete the aortic cannulation preparation. After delivering 300 IU of heparin per kilogram through the IV line, puncture the right femoral vein and place the guide wire through the needle into the vein. Enlarge the skin opening with an 11 blade knife and dilate the puncture site with successive dilators.Introduce the femoral venous cannula percutaneously over the guide wire. Then, puncture the ascending aorta in the middle of the purse-strings and cannulate the aorta over the guide wire. Next, gently push the superior vena cava toward the left side, and use a 4-0 polypropylene monofilament suture to place a purse-string on the right upper pulmonary vein.Insert the left ventricular vent through the purse-string to unload the left heart. Extend the aortotomy through the non-coronary sinus to one centimeter above the aortic annulus and check the left and right coronary ostia. Using endo forceps, grasp the left coronary cusp and use endo scissors to excise the left coronary cusp.Check the mitral valve through the aortotomy and use commercially available valve sizers to identify a valve that comfortably passes through the aortoventricular junction. Use an endo needle holder to place the first braided polyester 2-0 with a pledget U-suture onto the commissure between the left and right coronary sinuses, and pass the suture from the ventricle upward so that the pledget is on the ventricle side, continuing the placement of the braided polyester 2-0 with pledget U-sutures clockwise to complete the right coronary sinus. Place clockwise braided polyester 2-0 with pledget U-sutures on the non-coronary sinus and place a counterclockwise braided polyester 2-0 with pledget U-sutures on the left coronary sinus to complete the annulus sutures, using a Ryder needle holder to pass the braided polyester 2-0 sutures onto the sewing ring of the valve prosthesis.Slide down the valve prosthesis and remove the valve holder. Tie the sutures and check for any gaps between the sutures and the aortic annulus, verifying that the left and right coronary ostia are unobstructed. Use Metzenbaum scissors to cut the tied sutures ends and remove the 5-0 exposure sutures on the inferior and superior ridge of the aortotomy.Place one 5-0 polypropylene running hemi-suture starting on the nadir of the aortotomy in the non-coronary sinus to the middle of the aortotomy. Place a second 5-0 polypropylene running hemi-suture starting on the left end of the aortotomy, and continue toward the right end of the incision to meet the end of the first hemi-suture. After tying both suture ends together, gently aspirate the left ventricular vent.Place the ventricular pacing wires on the right ventricle before unclamping the aorta. Remove the aortic cross clamp and tie down the first purse-string and double-secure the aortic cannulation site with a figure of eight 4-0 polypropylene suture, and close the wound in layers according to the standard protocols. In this representative study, compared to the full sternotomy approach, a right anterior mini-thoracotomy necessitated significantly longer ischemic, cardiopulmonary, and operative times, while the proportion of biological versus mechanical valve substitutes did not differ between groups.In spite of the longer operation times, the right anterior mini-thoracotomy did not increase the rate of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in comparison to the full sternotomy incision. Patients undergoing right anterior mini-thoracotomy also tended to be extubated earlier, and stayed for a shorter period in the intensive care unit than those operated through full sternotomy, although these differences were not statistically significant. Compared to full sternotomy, right anterior mini-thoracotomy patients also had a significantly reduced need for pain medication and transfusion requirements, a reduced incidence of new onset atrial fibrillation and deep wound infection, and a reduced global length of hospital stay.In addition, right anterior mini-thoracotomy patients reported greater satisfaction with the cosmetic results. Once mastered, this technique can be completed in four hours if it is performed properly. Following this protocol, other heart valves, including the mitral and the tricuspid, can be operated by this approach.After its introduction, this technique paved the way for other minimal access approaches in both adult and pediatric open heart surgeries. After watching this video you should have a good understanding of how to perform a aortic valve replacement through a right anterior mini-thoracotomy. Don't forget that performing aortic valve replacement through a right anterior mini-thoracotomy can be very challenging, and that each step should be meticulously completed before beginning the next one.

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11.5K Görüntüleme.  Institut de Cardiologie. The overall goal of this protocol is to perform a minimally invasive aortic valve replacement through a right anterior mini-thoracotomy with central aortic cannulation. This method can help answer key questions regarding minimally invasive approaches for other heart valves, including the mitral and the tricuspid valves. The main advantage of this technique is that it combines a central aortic cannulation with the preservation of rib integrity.After marking the incision site, use an 18 ...