Mini-Bentall Surgery: The Right Thoracotomy Approach

Surgeons are increasingly using the right mini-thoracotomy approach to perform aortic valve surgery. This approach has shown better results in terms of blood loss and length of hospital stay than the sternotomy approach. For selected patients requiring aortic root and ascending aorta surgery, a right mini-thoracotomy approach may prove beneficial. In our technique, we placed a 5-cm horizontal skin incision in the right second intercostal space. Femoro-femoral cardiopulmonary bypass was established. A valved aortic conduit was used for aortic root replacement. The patient’s postoperative course was uneventful, with a short hospital stay. This technique offers a minimally invasive approach to aortic root and ascending aorta surgery with easy adaptability and reduced costs.

Case of rheumatic mitral stenosis with bilateral coronary artery fistula to pulmonary artery: A rare entity

Coronary to pulmonary artery fistula is a rare form of congenital coronary artery anomaly. Majority of coronary arteriovenous fistula detected incidentally on coronary angiography. Although, most of these patients are asymptomatic, larger fistulae can produce symptoms of heart failure. Here we present a rare case of 61-year-old female who presented primarily for mitral valve replacement for severe mitral stenosis. On screening angiography, there were two fistula arising from both right and left coronary artery and draining in to the main pulmonary artery. The patient was operated and mitral valve replacement with closure of the fistula. Patient had an uneventful post-operative period and was discharged on 7 the post-operative day.

Total arterial multivessels minimal invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting via left minithoracotomy

BACKGROUND

Minimal Invasive Direct Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (MIDCAB) is becoming popular and an important armamentarium for cardiac surgeons. We aimed to evaluate the result of MIDCAB total arterial revascularization.

METHODS

We have evaluated 216 patients who underwent MIDCAB multivessel total arterial revascularization through a left anterolateral mini thoracotomy. LIMA harvested in every patient, RIMA or radial artery used as second conduit. LIMA-RIMA Y or LIMA-RADIAL Y was made to accomplish multivessels total arterial revascularization. Post-operative graft patency was evaluated in all patients by CT coronary angiography at 6 months following discharge.

RESULTS

Mean age of patients was 52.5 ± 9.8 years. Average number of anastomosis performed were 2.34 ± 0.75. Multivessels total arterial CABG was accomplished in all individuals. There was no mortality or deep wound infection. Re-exploration was done in two patients for bleeding. In one patient emergency CPB was required. Average ICU and hospital stay was 1.52 ± 0.77 and 4.92 ± 1.46 days, respectively. Patients were mobilized earlier due to less pain. Wound healing of anterolateral thoracotomy was faster. In the follow up CT angiography 100% of the LIMA grafts were patent.

CONCLUSIONS

Multivessels total arterial MIDCAB can be accomplished safely in selected individuals. RIMA can be harvested in long standing diabetic patients with no concern for sternal wound healing. MIDCAB patients experience better cosmetics and early return to daily activities.