Left posterolateral thoracotomy: an alternative approach for pulmonary valve replacement.
Pulmonary valve replacement in adults who have a repaired tetralogy of Fallot is realized through a redo median sternotomy. A dilated ascending aorta is often present and adherent to the sternum and can be injured during sternum reentry, with dramatic consequences. We report on an adult patient with a corrected tetralogy of Fallot who underwent pulmonary valve replacement, thick transannular patch excision, and left pulmonary artery enlargement. Surgery was performed through a left posterolateral thoracotomy. This surgical approach was safe and efficient and, compared with the left anterior thoracotomy approach, offered many more possibilities.
Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Bordeaux Heart University Hospital, University of Bordeaux II, Bordeaux, France. Electronic address: francois.roubertie@chu-bordeaux.fr.
François
F
Roubertie
Department of Cardiac Surgery, Cardiologic Hospital Louis Pradel, Lyon, France.
Roland
R
Henaine
Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Bordeaux Heart University Hospital, University of Bordeaux II, Bordeaux, France.
Xavier
X
Roques
Department of Pediatric and Adult Congenital Heart Disease, Bordeaux Heart University Hospital, University of Bordeaux II, Bordeaux, France.
Jean-Benoît
JB
Thambo
D001705:Bioprosthesis; D005260:Female; D019918:Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D011665:Pulmonary Valve Insufficiency / Q000601:surgery*; D013908:Thoracotomy / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult
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