Outcomes in minimally invasive double valve surgery

Endoscopic Minimally Invasive Approach Versus Median Sternotomy for Multiple-Valve Surgery: A Propensity-Matched Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Endoscopic minimally invasive valve surgery is a promising alternative to valve surgery through median sternotomy. Our study compared the short-term outcomes of patients undergoing endoscopic minimally invasive multiple concomitant valve surgeries (MIMVS) with median sternotomy (MS).

METHODS

Demographic, clinical, and procedural data of all consecutive patients who underwent multiple-valve surgeries at two institutions in Germany from March of 2017 to March of 2023 were retrospectively collected. Patients were divided into two groups: MIMVS versus MS and their outcomes were compared before and after propensity score matching. Primary endpoint was the incidence of 30-day mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 317 patients were included in the study; 112 patients in each group were matched 1:1. MIMVS was performed on 123 patients. After propensity matching, 30-day mortality rates were 8% for MIMVS versus 12.5% for MS (p = 0.28). Median blood transfusion in the MIMVS group was 0 [0-3] vs 1 [0-4] in the MS group (p = 0.002). MIMVS was associated with similar cardiopulmonary bypass time 105.5 [79.8-124] versus 98 [68.8-130.3] mins and aortic cross clamping times 70 [53-80.3] versus 63.5 [46-90.3] mins (p values 0.9 and 0.76, respectively). Median intensive care and inhospital stays were similar between both groups (2 [1-4] vs 2 [1-5] days, p = 0.36, and 12 [8-17] vs 12.5 [9-21] days, p = 0.38). Incidences of intrathoracic bleeding, stroke, and acute kidney injury were similar in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In our experience, endoscopic minimally invasive multiple-valve surgeries through right anterior mini-thoracotomy is as feasible, safe, and effective as medial sternotomy in select patients.

Combined Mitral and Aortic Valve Surgery Through a Right Minithoracotomy: A Single-Center Experience

OBJECTIVE

Minimally invasive combined mitral and aortic valve surgery is still uncommon. We report our experience performing multiple valve procedures through a right-sided minithoracotomy.

METHODS

We present an observational case series with a retrospective analysis of 38 patients who underwent double valve surgery through right anterior thoracotomy from November 2013 to November 2023.

RESULTS

The median age of our population was 72 years, and 61% were female patients. The median EuroSCORE II was 2.27. Three patients (7.9%) had redo operations. The median cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and cross-clamp times were 98 and 85 min, respectively. No conversion to full sternotomy was necessary. In-hospital mortality was 2.6% (1 patient); the patient died of septic shock and consequent multiorgan failure. Of the patients, 53% required transfusions with packed blood cells. Postoperative atrial fibrillation was observed in 12 patients (32%), and 2 patients (5.2%) required pacemaker implantation due to third-degree atrioventricular block. Also, 1 stroke (2.6%) and 1 rethoracotomy for bleeding were observed. The median ventilation time was 10 h. The median intensive care unit and postoperative length of stay were 2 days and 7.5 days, respectively. Survival at 1, 3, 5, and 10 years was 93.8%, 86.3%, 86.3%, and 77.2%, respectively, with a median follow-up time of 6.5 years. Freedom from reintervention at 1, 3, 5, and 10 years was 96.8%, 89.5%, 85.0%, and 69.5%, respectively, with a median follow-up time of 5.7 years.

CONCLUSIONS

In our experience, a minimally invasive approach for combined aortic and mitral valve surgery is safe and feasible, with acceptable CPB and cross-clamp times and good outcomes. Therefore, it can be an attractive option for patients with double valve diseases.

Treatment of chronic mini-thoracotomy wound pain and lung herniation with intercostal cryoablation and surgical mesh repair: a case report

BACKGROUND

The incidence of minimally invasive heart surgery via mini-thoracotomy (MT; right anterior thoracotomy) is on the rise, accompanied by an increase in post-MT intercostal nerve neuralgia and the risk of lung herniation through the incision site. While various methods have been proposed to address these issues, none have been commonly effective. In this case report, we attempted to simultaneously address these problems by performing intercostal cryoablation (IC) and mesh repair.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 43-year-old male was referred to our hospital for chronic post-thoracotomy neuralgia following heart surgery via MT, involving patch closure of an atrial septal defect and tricuspid annuloplasty. He presented with intercostal nerve neuralgia and lung herniation accompanied by severe pain. Despite medication and lidocaine injections, there was no relief. Consequently, he underwent surgical treatment with IC for chronic MT wound pain and simultaneously underwent mesh repair for a lung hernia. He was discharged from hospital free of complications. Subsequently, he no longer required further pain medication and experienced a favorable recovery.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that concurrent IC and mesh repair can effectively relieve chronic post-MT intercostal nerve neuralgia and severe lung herniation pain in patients who underwent MT surgery, leading to a decrease in opioid medication usage.

Implementation of Endoscopic Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Replacement Surgery With Automated Suturing Technology

In the evolving landscape of cardiac surgery, this article explores the potential of minimally invasive mitral valve replacement procedures as a viable alternative to conventional surgical techniques. Leveraging advancements in automated suturing devices and video endoscopy, our work aims to demonstrate that minimally invasive approaches can be applied across a broad spectrum of surgical scenarios. Herein we highlight preoperative diagnostics and operative techniques, with a focus on infra-axillary anterolateral minithoracotomy as the access point. Our technique utilizes technology from LSI SOLUTIONS® (Victor, NY, USA), including the RAM® Device for automated suturing, which has an ergonomic design and safety features. The device's capabilities are further enhanced by the SEW-EASY® Device, the RAM® RING, and the COR-KNOT MINI® Device, which streamline suture management and securement. This work outlines how these technological advancements can mitigate concerns about technical complexity and learning curves, thereby encouraging wider adoption of minimally invasive techniques. Clinical benefits may include reduced surgical trauma, quicker recovery, and cost-effectiveness, making it a compelling option in an era of aggressively promoted transcatheter interventions.

µAVR: Endoscopic Microinvasive Aortic Valve Surgery With Automated Suturing Technology for Enhanced Patient Outcomes

Modern heart surgery should strive toward the most durable therapeutic results and enhanced patient recoveries. Novel customized technology is available to advance the evolution of less invasive heart valve replacement surgery and ultimately facilitate "microinvasive" techniques utilizing very small bone-sparing incisions and endoscopy. In this article, we present our approach to aortic valve replacement, including the use of automated suturing devices to improve the surgical ergonomics and reliability of these procedures. This patient-centered approach can be safely performed by surgeons interested in offering the benefits of truly minimally invasive cardiac surgery to improve patient outcomes. We believe that each patient should be offered personalized surgery to provide the optimized procedure and aortic valve replacement to suit their individual needs and preferences.