title: Mini right thoracotomy as an approach to aortic valve closure in an assist device patient.
abstract: This case report concerns a patient status post left ventricular assist device placement that was complicated by new onset severe aortic valve insufficiency. After almost 2 years with his device, the patient had a syncopal episode and had worsening aortic valve regurgitation on echocardiography. The patient underwent an aortic valve closure via the right second intercostal space, which represents a new approach to managing these patients surgically and avoiding repeat sternotomies and further right ventricle injury.
authors.affiliation: From the *Department of Surgery, Texas A&M Health Science Center/Baylor; and †Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Baylor, Scott and White Temple Clinic, Temple, TX.
authors.forename: Karen M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Doersch
authors.forename: Basar
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Sareyyupoglu
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001022:Aortic Valve Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery*; D058385:Cardiac Valve Annuloplasty / Q000379:methods*; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery*; D013908:Thoracotomy / Q000379:methods*