title: Complications of port-access cardiac surgery.
abstract: Port-Access cardiac surgery is a recent technology that is undergoing rapid development. The learning curve associated with this technique is a challenge even for the skilled and experienced cardiac surgeon. Mainly because of femoral cannulation, the use of guidewires, and working through small incisions, Port-Access cardiac surgery contains certain pitfalls that are clearly associated with the technology involved. These pitfalls currently require troubleshooting, but as the technology progresses, this may become less of an issue. Communicating these pitfalls to others is important to help others to avoid or better manage complications and to contribute to improving the technology of Port-Access techniques.
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, J. W. Goethe University Hospital, Frankfurt, Germany.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Wimmer-Greinecker
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Matheis
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dogan
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Aybek
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kessler
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Westphal
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Moritz
mesh_terms: D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods*; D002404:Catheterization; D002983:Clinical Competence; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005263:Femoral Artery; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures