title: A simplified minimally invasive approach to mitral valve surgery - optimal access under direct vision.
abstract: With increasing enthusiasm in minimally invasive surgery, several approaches and access are being performed with great precision. In this report, we illustrate and describe a minimal invasive approach to mitral valve surgery with optimal access under direct vision, the indications and patient selection, the surgical techniques, its advantages over the other approaches, and its simplicity and reproducibility.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Deutsches Herzzentrum Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Amiri
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Deutsches Herzzentrum Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
authors.forename: E W
authors.initials: EW
authors.lastname: Delmo Walter
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Deutsches Herzzentrum Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hetzer
keywords: anterolateral thoracotomy; cardiopulmonary bypass; minimally-invasive approach; mitral valve repair; myocardial protection