Impact of standardized computed tomographic angiography for minimally invasive mitral and tricuspid valve surgery

Long-Term Results in Minimally Invasive Non-Resectional Mitral Valve Repair for Barlow Mitral Valve Disease

Objective: The aim was to assess the long-term outcomes, safety, and durability of total endoscopic mitral valve repair for Barlow mitral valve disease. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 98 patients undergoing minimal invasive total endoscopic mitral valve repair for Barlow mitral valve disease was conducted between May 2009 and December 2023. A non-resectional repair approach using artificial neochordae and/or ring annuloplasty was performed. Clinical and echocardiographic follow-ups were completed. Rates per patient-years with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for all time-to-event outcomes were calculated. Results: The mean age was 59 ± 12, and 43% were female. Minimally invasive mitral valve repair was successfully performed in all 98 patients with no conversions to sternotomy or mitral valve replacement. There was no mitral valve-related reoperation during the hospital stay. Procedural safety was as follows: no in-hospital mortality, no stroke, and no perioperative myocardial infarction. The mean follow-up was 4.1 ± 3.1 years. Survival at seven years was 87% (95% CI 63% to 96%). Freedom from myocardial infarction, stroke, and congestive heart failure was 89% (95% CI 60% to 97%), 93% (95% CI 82% to 97%), and 100%, respectively. Recurrent mitral valve insufficiency at Grade ≥ 2 was diagnosed in n = 4 (4.1%) of cases. Conclusions: Minimally invasive mitral valve repair using a non-resectional technique for Barlow disease can be performed with a low complication rate. The total endoscopic approach is safe in the long term, with minimal risk of reoperation and recurrent mitral valve insufficiency.

[CT in planning of heart valve surgery through minithoracotomy]

Computed tomography (CT) is an indispensable tool for preoperative planning in minimally invasive cardiac surgery. In this article, the authors estimate significance of CT for analysis of anatomy and pathology of cardiovascular system. CT provides surgeons with high-quality images and assessment of structural features in the areas of subsequent manipulations. These aspects are essential for individualized surgical plan. CT significantly reduces the risk of postoperative complications due to better understanding of anatomical features. Moreover, CT contributes to safe minithoracotomy. Thus, CT is essential in preoperative planning. This method improves postoperative outcomes and minimizes surgical risks.

Percutaneous Cannulation of Femoral Vessels in Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery

OBJECTIVE

Despite the recent trend of access miniaturization in minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) surgical "cut down (CD)" for femoral cannulation remains the standard at many centers. Percutaneous vascular closure (PVC) devices have recently been introduced for minimizing invasiveness during interventional diagnostic and therapy. This report summarizes the initial experience with this new approach in the setting of MICS, with a special focus on safety and advantages.

METHODS

Percutaneous cannulation with a standard protocol including preoperative computer tomography imaging and intraoperative point-of-care ultrasound guidance was performed in 93 consecutive patients from September 2018 until February 2020, while conventional "CD" procedure performed in 218 patients in the previous period. We analyzed patients' characteristics and compared access site complications of PVC group versus conventional "CD" group.

RESULTS

As far as operative/postoperative outcome, the duration of intensive care unit stay as well as hospital stay was statistically shorter in PVC compared with CD (CD vs. PVC: 2.74 ± 3.83 vs. 2.16 ± 2.01 days, p < 0.01, 16.7 ± 8.75 vs. 13.0 ± 4.96 days, p < 0.001, respectively). Further, we found no femoral infection or lymphocele in the PVC group, whereas 4 cases of wound complications were observed in the CD group.

CONCLUSION

According to our results, percutaneous closure system for femoral vessels in MICS seems to be beneficial with the assist of preoperative computed tomography and intraoperative Doppler guidance.

Minimally Invasive Nonresectional Mitral Valve Repair Long-term Results

BACKGROUND

We aimed to assess the outcomes of the minimally invasive nonresectional technique over 10 years in patients with severe mitral valve insufficiency.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 365 patients undergoing a minimally invasive complete endoscopic mitral valve repair for mitral valve insufficiency was conducted between May 2009 and September 2021. All patients underwent the nonresectional repair approach using artificial neochordae implantation or ring annuloplasty. Clinical and echocardiographic follow-ups were performed.

RESULTS

The minimal invasive procedure was successfully performed in all patients. The mean age was 61 ± 11, and 36% were female patients. The surgical success was 99.7%, with no conversion to sternotomy or to mitral valve replacement at 30 days. In 1 case (0.27%), mitral valve related reoperation was performed during the hospital stay. The procedural safety was 92%, with in-hospital mortality in 0.55% (n = 2), stroke in 0.55% (n = 2), and perioperative myocardial infarction in 0.82% (n = 3) patients. The mean follow up was 5.3 ± 2.9 years. Survival at 5 and 10 years was 96% (95% confidence interval [CI], 94%-98%) and 83% (95% CI, 72%-90%). Freedom of myocardial infarction, stroke, and congestive heart failure at 10 years was 95% (95% CI, 88%-98%), 86% (95% CI, 75%-92%), and 93% (95% CI, 89%-96%), respectively. Recurrent mitral valve insufficiency ≥ + 2 was diagnosed in 4.9% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Minimally invasive nonresectional mitral valve repair technique can be performed for severe mitral valve regurgitation with excellent long-term results. The procedure is safe, with minimal risk of reoperation and recurrent mitral valve insufficiency at long term.