Minimally invasive surgical closure of atrial septal defects via a right anterior thoracotomy.
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.
Sim
E K
EK
Cardiac Department, National University Hospital, Singapore.
Goh
J J
JJ
Grignani
R T
RT
Chen
X Z
XZ
Duranni
A
A
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