title: Full-spectrum cardiac surgery through a minimal incision: mini-sternotomy (lower half) technique.
abstract: A technique is described in which most, if not all, cardiac operations may be performed through a standard small incision. A midline, lower half sternotomy is used. This provides traditional exposure of the heart and allows the surgeon to directly visualize the operating field and use familiar instruments. The complete spectrum of coronary revascularization and cardiac valve operations has been performed through this less-invasive incision.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, LDS Hospital, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.
authors.forename: D B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Doty
authors.forename: G B
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: DiRusso
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Doty
mesh_terms: D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass / Q000379:methods; D006351:Heart Valves / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D013249:Sternum / Q000601:surgery*