Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery: evolution, techniques and outcomes.
Surgical treatment of the mitral valve has evolved considerably since the 1920s. During the mid-1990s new approaches through small incisions have been proposed to access the mitral valve. We herein describe the evolution of mitral surgery, the development of minimally invasive mitral techniques and compare outcomes to a standard sternotomy approach.
Dagenais
Francois
F
Laval Hospital, Department of Cardiac Surgery, 2725 chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec G1V4G5, Canada. francois.dagenais@chg.ulaval.ca