title: Minimally invasive surgical closure of atrial septal defects via a right anterior thoracotomy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Surgical closure of the atrial septal defect (ASD) is a low-risk operation with little post-operative morbidity involved. The standard approach to ASD closure is via a median sternotomy. However the post-operative midline scar is cosmetically undesirable.
  
  
  METHODS
  We report our experience with four female patients who have undergone closure of ASD through a right anterior thoracotomy and a left groin incision for femoral cannulation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Post-operative recovery was uneventful. The cosmetic results of their operations were good.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Closure of ASD via a right anterior approach is a safe method and should preferably be used in young female patients, as better cosmetic results are expected.
authors.affiliation: Cardiac Department, National University Hospital, Singapore.
authors.forename: E K
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Sim
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Goh
authors.forename: R T
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Grignani
authors.forename: X Z
authors.initials: XZ
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Duranni
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006344:Heart Septal Defects, Atrial / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D013908:Thoracotomy / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome