Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Replacement Via Right Mini-thoracotomy

Here we demonstrate our surgical procedure of minimally invasive aortic valve replacement through right anterolateral mini-thoracotomy. Preoperative evaluation of the whole aorta by contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan is important to prevent cerebrovascular complications. The patient is set in a mild left lateral decubitus position. A skin incision is made along the anterior axillary line to the inframammary fold and the chest is opened at the 3rd or 4th intercostal space. Cardiopulmonary bypass is usually established by femoro-femoral bypass. The ascending aorta is clamped with a Chitwood clamp and antegrade or selective cardioplegia is administered. Four traction sutures placed at the aortotomy widely open the aortotomy and offer fine surgical view of the aortic valve. The annular calcifications are excised using a cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator. Double-needle braided sutures with pledgets are placed in a non-everting mattress manner. Then the prosthetic valve is sewn onto the aortic annulus. Finger knot tying through anterolateral mini-thoracotomy is usually challenging;therefore, all sutures are tied using a knot pusher. The aortotomy is closed and the aorta is de-clamped. The pericardium is loosely closed;chest tubes are placed;and the thoracotomy is closed in a usual manner.