Ministernotomy or sternotomy in isolated aortic valve replacement? Early results

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Aortic valve replacement (AVR) is the gold standard in treating symptomatic aortic valve defects. To improve the healing process and limit the trauma, the minimally invasive approach was introduced. AIM: To compare the peri- and post-operative results of aortic valve replacement performed via conventional full sternotomy (con-AVR) and of AVR performed via partial upper sternotomy (mini-AVR). MATERIAL AND METHODS: = 76). There were no statistically significant differences in preoperative echocardiography. RESULTS: < 0.05). Patients from the mini-AVR group reported less postoperative pain. No significant differences were found in the diameter of the implanted aortic prosthesis, the amount of inotropic agents and painkillers, postoperative left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), medium and maximum transvalvular gradient or the number of transfused blood units. There were no differences in the frequency of postoperative complications such as mortality, stroke, atrial fibrillation, renal failure, wound infection, sternal instability, or the need for rethoracotomy. CONCLUSIONS: Ministernotomy for AVR is a safe method and does not increase morbidity and mortality. It significantly reduces post-operative blood loss and shortens hospital stay. Ministernotomy can be successfully used as an alternative method to sternotomy.