Safety and efficacy of minimally invasive atrial septal defect closure.
BACKGROUND
Atrial septal defects (ASDs) have been surgically closed with low mortality utilizing the conventional sternotomy approach (CSA). The technical ease of ASD closure has triggered interest in minimally invasive closure (MIC) to obviate the morbidity associated with sternotomy. Our study assesses the safety and efficacy of minimally invasive ASD closure.


METHODS
Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data were collected on 68 patients (39 CSA, 29 MIC) who underwent ASD closure from January 1997 to August 2002. Using univariate analysis of 17 preoperative risk factors there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups.


RESULTS
MIC resulted in equivalent success rates in ASD closures, with similar morbidity, no mortality, and a significant difference in postoperative length of stay (3.93 +/- 1.6 days versus 5.36 +/- 2.51 days, p = 0.006).


CONCLUSIONS
In experienced hands, MIC is an excellent alternative to CSA in ASD closure.
Cardiopulmonary Research Science and Technology Institute, Dallas, Texas, USA. whryanmd@yahoo.com
William H
WH
Ryan
Jorge
J
Cheirif
Todd M
TM
Dewey
Syma L
SL
Prince
Michael J
MJ
Mack
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D002404:Catheterization; D005260:Female; D006344:Heart Septal Defects, Atrial / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies