Multiple Valve Implantation Through a Minimally Invasive Approach: Comparison of Standard Median Sternotomy and Right Anterior Thoracotomy

Background Following developments in the area of minimally invasive surgery and good, recently published surgical results, the areas in which minimally invasive surgery can be used are beginning to expand. This study aimed to describe experience and show the feasibility and safety of minimally invasive multiple valve implantation with right anterior minithoracotomy (RAT) and compare the outcomes with cases that underwent multiple valve surgery via a standard median sternotomy. Methods The study cohort comprised 52 patients with combined valvular disease who underwent aortic valve replacement and mitral valve replacement or repair, and/or tricuspid valve ring annuloplasty through median sternotomy (control group n=32) or minimally invasive surgery through a RAT (study group n=20) between January 2012 and December 2018 at the current centre. Preoperative evaluation included coronary catheterisation and multisliced computerised tomography in all patients. Postoperative clinical outcomes and haemodynamic performance of heart valves were reviewed. Results The mean age of patients was 72.6±7.1 years, and 50% were male. Seventeen (17) patients (32.6%) were in New York Heart Association functional class III or IV. Three (3) patients (7.6%) had third-degree atrioventricular block requiring permanent pacemaker implantation. Mean follow-up was 21±3.9 months (maximum 26 months). No major paravalvular leakage occurred, and there was no postoperative valve migration in either group. Non-valve-related deaths occurred in five patients during follow-up. Conclusion This study showed that minimally invasive multiple valve implantation is a technically feasible and safe procedure with acceptable surgical outcomes and similar postoperative quality when compared with median sternotomy.