[Minimally invasive aortic valve surgery].
BACKGROUND
Minimally invasive aortic valve surgery is performed in many centres worldwide with low mortality and morbidity. In this article the initial experience from Rigshospitalet, the Copenhagen Universital Hospital, is described.


METHODS
From September 2001 to March 2002, a total of 11 patients underwent isolated aortic valve replacement using a minimally invasive technique. The procedure was performed through an eight centimeter skin incision and an upper partial sternotomy. The mean age of the patients was 60 years (range 38 to 85 years).


RESULTS
No patients required conversion to full sternotomy. There was no mortality. One patient needed reoperation for bleeding. Three patients developed pericardial effusion postoperatively. No other serious complications were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
Minimally invasive aortic valve surgery can be performed with a minimal invasive technique in selected patients. The cosmetical result is attractive to the patient and several advantages have been described including less surgical trauma, less bleeding, decreased pain, improved recovery of the respiratory function, reduced risk of sternal complications, shorter hospital stay, and faster rehabilitation.
Lund
Jens Teglgaard
JT
Thoraxkirurgisk Afdeling RT, H:S Rigshospitalet, DK-2100 København Ø. jenslund@rh.dk
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001021:Aortic Valve / Q000601:surgery*; D001022:Aortic Valve Insufficiency / Q000601:surgery*; D001024:Aortic Valve Stenosis / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D019918:Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D012086:Reoperation; D013249:Sternum / Q000601:surgery
Minimalt invasiv aortaklapkirurgi.