title: Stentless aortic valve implantation through an upper manubrium-limited V-type ministernotomy.
abstract: In this piece of work, we attempt to highlight our approach and early experience with minimally invasive aortic valve replacement with aortic Freedom Solo stentless bioprosthesis performed through an upper manubrium-limited ministernotomy in the second intercostal space. The novel suturing technique is required for stentless aortic bioprosthesis implantation, and this, in its turn, will predetermine and influence the surgeon's choice for operative access. In our department, the feasibility of the approach was first assessed; aortic valve was replaced by stentless bioprosthesis in a total of 23 patients (mean age 57 ± 12 years). In all cases, a cardiopulmonary bypass was established by a central ascending aorta cannulation and peripheral percutaneous venous cannula insertion. This approach was found to be technically reproducible and safe. The surgical technique used is described in this article.
authors.affiliation: Department of Adult Cardiac Surgery, G. Pasquinucci Heart Hospital, G. Monasterio Foundation, National Research Council, Massa, Italy. asr_uz_2003@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Jamshid H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Karimov
authors.forename: Alfredo Giuseppe
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Cerillo
authors.forename: Tommaso
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Gasbarri
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Solinas
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bevilacqua
authors.forename: Mattia
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Glauber