Minimally invasive video-assisted mitral valve surgery: our lessons after a 4-year experience

BACKGROUND: Right thoracotomy is a well known alternative to median sternotomy to gain access to the left atrium. To avoid the potential drawbacks associated with sternotomy coupled to the desire for a smaller scar and a more rapid rehabilitation in young and active patients, we investigated the purported advantages in patients undergoing video-assisted Port-Access mitral valve surgery. METHODS: Between February 1997 and November 2000, 175 patients (94 men, 81 women) with a mean age of 60 years (range 25 to 84) underwent either Port-Access mitral valve repair (n = 117) or replacement (n = 57) for degenerative disease (n = 112), rheumatic disease (n = 36), chronic endocarditis (n = 15), annular dilatation (n = 8), sclerotic disease (n = 2), and ingrowing myxoma (n = 1). There was one closure of a preexisting paravalvular leak. Standard Carpentier-Edwards repair procedures were used in all patients; in 14 patients polytetrafluoroethylene chordae were inserted for anterior leaflet prolapse. A total of 74 patients (42%) were in New York Heart Association functional class III/IV. RESULTS: Hospital mortality was 1.1% (n = 2). Four patients had conversion to sternotomy and conventional extra corporeal circulation for repair of a dissected aorta (n = 2) or the inabilty to proceed to a safe femoral cannulation (n = 2). Sixteen patients (9%) underwent a revision for bleeding. Mean cross-clamp time and perfusion time was 95 minutes (range 24 to 160) and 135 minutes (range 75 to 215) respectively. Mean intensive care unit and total hospital stay was 1.8 days (1 to 30) and 8.7 days (4 to 36), respectively. Three patients experienced late acute endocarditis: 2 had late mitral valve replacements and 1 patient had medical therapy for late prosthetic valve endocarditis. There were no myocardial infarctions, cerebrovascular events or peripheral ischemia due to thromboembolic phenomena. No wound complications were observed. The degree of patient satisfaction was very high. CONCLUSIONS: The video-assisted Port-Access mitral valve approach is a valid alternative to sternotomy, with the same standards of results and quality.     

Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery

Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIC-MVS) was introduced into clinical practice in the mid 1990s. Since then it has evolved as the standard technique at some specialized centers. The routine technique includes femoral access for extracorporeal circulation, a right lateral minithoracotomy and direct aortic clamping using special instruments. Different techniques leading to some variations have been described. There is no prospectively randomized trial comparing minimally invasive with conventional mitral valve surgery. However, several series including large patient numbers and up to 8 years of follow-up have been published. Literature results as well as different aspects of minimally invasive MVS are discussed in this review, including the development, the current technique and future perspectives. Regarding MIC-MVS the word is that it is a safe and effective operation. Lateral minithoracotomy access offers excellent exposure, visualization can be further enhanced when using endoscopic cameras. All different mitral valve repair procedures can be performed even in the presence of complex pathologies. The repair rate is excellent and reaches 75%. Patient recovery is fast leading to a significant improvement in individual quality of life. MIC-MVS can now be considered the standard approach and will reach more widespread clinical application.     

Evolution of mitral valve surgery: toward a totally endoscopic approach

BACKGROUND: Our study evaluates a series of video-assisted minimally invasive mitral operations, showing safe progression toward totally endoscopic techniques. METHODS: Consecutive patients with isolated mitral valve disease underwent either manually directed (n = 55) or voice-activated robotically directed (n = 72) video-assisted mitral operations. Cold blood cardioplegia, a transthoracic aortic clamp, a 5-mm endoscope, and a 5-cm minithoracotomy were used. This video-assisted minimally invasive mitral operation cohort was compared with a previous sternotomy-based mitral operation cohort (n = 100). RESULTS: Group demographics, New York Heart Association classification, and cardiac function were similar. Repairs were performed in 61.8% manually directed (n = 34), 75.0% robotically directed (n = 54), and 54% sternotomy-based (N = 54) mitral operations. The robotically directed technique showed a significant decrease in blood loss, ventilator time, and hospitalization compared with the sternotomy-based technique. Manually directed mitral operations compared with robotically directed mitral operations had decreased arrest times (128.0 +/- 4.5 minutes compared with 90.0 +/- 4.6 minutes; p < 0.001) and decreased perfusion times (173.0 +/- 5.7 minutes compared with 144.0 +/- 4.6 minutes; p < 0.001). In the minimally invasive mitral operation cohort, complications included reexploration for bleeding (2.4%; n = 3) and one stroke (0.8%), whereas the 30-day mortality was 2.3% (n = 3). CONCLUSIONS: Video-assisted mitral surgery provides safe and effective results when compared with conventional sternal approaches. These positive results show a safe and stepwise evolution toward a totally endoscopic mitral valve operation.     

Port-Access mitral valve surgery: summary of results

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to review the short-term results of an initial experience with minimally invasive cardiac valve surgery using the Port-Access approach in terms of feasibility, safety, and reproducibility. METHODS: Between October 1995 and October 1997, 151 minimally invasive cardiac valve procedures were performed at our institution using the Port-Access approach. The patients' mean age was 58.1 years (range 21 to 91 years) and 50% were male. Aortic valve replacement was performed in 35 (23.2%) patients, mitral valve repair in 56 (37.1%) patients, mitral valve replacement in 36 (23.8%) patients, and complex valve procedures in 24 (15.9%) patients. RESULTS: The operative mortality rate for isolated mitral valve surgery was 1.1% (1/92) and for all mitral valve surgery 3.5% (4/113). The operative mortality rate for isolated aortic valve patients was 5.7% (2/35). For the total group the operating mortality was 4% (6/151). Early complications for mitral valve patients included reoperation for bleeding or tamponade in 5 (4.4%) patients, myocardial infarction in 2 (1.2%) patients, and transient ischemic attack and wound infection in 1 (0.1%) patient each. One patient required reoperation for mitral valve failure that resulted in aortic dissection unrelated to the Endoaortic Clamp catheter and ultimately led to death. Two (5.6%) aortic valve patients required reoperation for bleeding and two (5.6%) required reoperation for tamponade. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive Port-Access techniques can be applied to most patients with valvular heart disease with minimal morbidity and mortality and good postoperative valve function and may be the preferred approach for isolated mitral and aortic valve surgery.     

Minimally invasive mitral surgery: mitral valve repair with a right-sided partial sternotomy

We describe our concept and the results of mitral valve repair using a right-sided partial sternotomy. We performed mitral valve repair using this method in 50 patients with severe MR between April 1997 and October 1998. In 10 patients in whom good exposure was not attained, we changed to the ordinary full-sternotomy or T-shaped partial sternotomyprocedure. Forty patients with good exposure underwent successful mitral valve repair. The sites of repair were anterior in 15 cases, posterior in 16, and both in 9. There was no mortality, and intraoperative TEE performed in all 40 patients revealed that all had trivial or no regurgitation. The right-sided partial sternotomy (open door method) is a safe and useful method for minimally invasive valve Surgery. A better quality of life compared with traditional median sternotomy can be ensured for patients undergoing minimally invasive cardiac surgery only when receive the best-quality Surgery is performed.     

Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery: a review of the literature

Purpose

Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS) is a heterogenous concept referring to a gamut of surgical approaches to the mitral valve. When compared to conventional sternotomy (CONV-ST), MIMVS appears to offer superior patient satisfaction and recovery time. However, published results differ between institutions due to variations in technique, and mid- to long-term data is relatively scant. Despite the limitations of the evidence base, patient demand for minimally invasive operations remains strong. This demand is only likely to rise in the future as surgery is being recommended earlier in the course of disease and patients are referred for operation at a younger age. This review therefore isolates each MIMVS technique to evaluate its place in current surgical practice, as well as areas of future research.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was performed using MEDLINE, Embase, Google Scholar, and Scopus. Search terms included ‘minimally invasive surgical procedures’, ‘mitral valve’, ‘sternotomy’, ‘thoracotomy’, ‘mitral valve repair’, and ‘mitral valve replacement’. Articles were also gathered from other sources, including manual searches through reference lists of articles and recommended ‘related articles’.

Summary

MIMVS has evolved from using smaller incisions to endoscopic surgery, robotics, and, most recently, percutaneous off-pump procedures. It is now standard practice at centres around the world. At present, the right minithoracotomy is the most common approach, though robotic and percutaneous techniques are suitable for certain patients. Collaboration between cardiothoracic surgeons, interventional cardiologists, and other disciplines will be essential in furthering the newest minimally invasive techniques. Future research should depend on long-term data, broad patient sampling, and high-tier evidence.

     

Minimally invasive direct access mitral valve surgery.

We reviewed our experience with minimally invasive direct-access mitral valve surgery in 207 patients through February 1999. Three patients underwent associated procedures, a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) with right internal mammary artery to right carotid artery (RIMA-RCA), a left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) debridement for endocarditis, and a primum atrial septal defect (ASD) repair, and were excluded from analysis. Of the 204 remaining patients, 120 (59%) patients were men, aged 58.7 +/- 13.2 years, functional class of 2.3 +/- 0.5. The cause was myxomatous in 162 (79%) patients, rheumatic in 28 (14%) patients, endocarditis in 8 (4%) patients, congenital in 3 (2%) patients, and ischemic in 3 (2%) patients. Mean preoperative EF was 60% +/- 10%, with 184 (90%) patients showing ejection fraction (EF) greater than 50%. The valve was approached through a 5- to 8-cm right parasternal (n = 180, 88%) or right inframammary (n = 24, 12%) incision. One hundred nineteen (58%) patients had open femoral artery-femoral vein cannulation, and 85 (42%) patients had direct cannulation of the aorta and percutaneous cannulation of the femoral vein. One hundred seventy (83%) patients underwent successful valve repair, and 34 (17%) patients required valve replacement. The mean duration of aortic clamping and cardiopulmonary were, respectively, 100 +/- 34 and 146 +/- 44 minutes. There were 2 (1%) surgical deaths. Nonfatal perioperative complications included 3 (1.5%) ascending aortic complications, 3 (1.5%) reoperations for bleeding, 4 (2%) strokes, 2 (1%) transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), 2 (1%) myocardial infarctions, 3 (1.5%) pericardial effusions requiring drainage, 9 (4.5%) vascular complications, and 3 (1.5%) wound complications. Mean length of stay (LOS) was 6.1 +/- 3 days, with 63 (31%) patients being discharged in less than 5 days. One hundred twenty-nine (63%) patients did not require blood transfusions. Follow-up was complete in 165 (81%) patients, with mean follow-up of 13.2 +/- 8 months. Late complications included 1 (0.5%) myocardial infarction, 3 (1.5%) reoperations, all converting repairs to replacements, 3 (1.5%) wound hernias requiring reoperation and repair with mesh, 5 (2.5%) thromboembolic events, and 3 (1.5%) deaths of suicide, pneumonia, and sudden death, respectively. Mean follow-up New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class was 1.2 +/- 0.5. We conclude that minimally invasive direct-access mitral valve surgery is safe, effective, and applicable for most patients presenting for isolated mitral valve surgery. We now consider it the standard of care for selected patients.     

Perfusion during coronary and mitral valve surgery utilizing minimally invasive Port-Access technology

Minimally invasive surgery has been used in the treatment of some cardiovascular diseases. Port-Access surgery is a new minimally invasive technique that utilizes cardiopulmonary by-pass and a specialized catheter system that provides cardiopulmonary support and myocardial preservation. Extrathoracic cardiopulmonary support is established with femero-femoral bypass with kinetic assisted venous drainage. An endovascular catheter system allows for all the benefits of mechanical support as well as myocardial preservation. This catheter system includes an endoaortic balloon catheter which functions as an aortic cross clamp and antegrade cardioplegia delivery catheter, endopulmonary vent, and endocoronary sinus catheter used for administration of retrograde cardioplegia. An initial cohort of 20 patients was treated by the Port-Access surgical approach with cardiopulmonary bypass. Ten patients had coronary artery surgery and 10 patients had mitral valve surgery. The average bypass times were 94.4 min (coronary artery) and 152.8 min (mitral valve). The mean aortic occlusion times were 49.7 min (coronary artery) and 112.6 min (mitral valve). All patients were weaned from bypass. This initial patient series demonstrated that Port-Access surgery was feasible in selected patients.     

Computer-enhanced mitral valve surgery: toward a total endoscopic procedure.

The aim of the study was to develop a computer-enhanced, video-assisted approach for mitral valve repair as a potential step toward a complete endoscopic procedure. In 10 patients with nonischemic mitral valve insufficiency, computer-enhanced telemetric mitral valve repair using the Intuitive surgical telemanipulation system was performed. A femorofemoral bypass was initiated using Port-Access (Heartport, Redwood City, CA) cannulation. A small minithoracotomy was made in the right 4th intercostal space, and a custom-made rib retractor was placed. The pericardium was opened manually, and four traction stay sutures were placed to enhance exposure. After endoaortic balloon clamping, the left atrium was opened and stabilized. The end-effectors were placed in the left atrium through two ports (3rd ICS and 6th ICS, midaxillary line). A 30 degrees three-dimensional (3D)-videoscope angled up was placed through the incision. Mitral valve repair was then performed remotely from the surgical console. This included inspection of the valve, leaflet resection, leaflet repair, and ring implantation. After completion of the repair and testing of the valve, the end effectors were withdrawn, and the left atrium was closed manually using standard endoscopic instruments (Heartport). In all but 1 patient, successful repair, including quadrangular resection, chordal shortening, Whooler-plasty, and Alfieri-plasty, could be accomplished using the computer-enhanced telemanipulation system. A partial ring was implanted in 6 patients and a complete ring was implanted in 3 patients, respectively. Time for surgery, CPB, and clamp time were 170 to 330 minutes (median, 185 minutes), 140 to 220 minutes (median, 149 minutes), and 78 to 133 minutes (median, 94 minutes), respectively. In one patient, intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) showed insufficient repair, a second surgery was performed via an enlarged left thoracotomy. One patient with recurrent mitral insufficiency had to have a second surgery on postoperative day 3 for a torn-out ring. Median time of hospitalization was 8 days. At 3 months follow-up (completed in 7 patients), all patients had improved clinically. Computer-enhanced mitral valve repair is feasible and can be performed with good functional results. The telemanipulation system offers the potential for true endoscopic mitral valve repair. However, surgical time is prolonged, and a learning curve has to be overcome.     

Minimally invasive surgery of mitral valve (MIS-MV)

Following the revision of the therapeutic guideline of ACC/AHA in (Circulation 114:450–527, 2006), the incidence of mitral valve repair in asymptomatic patients with moderate or severe mitral valve regurgitation has increased. For mitral valve repair, the quality and outcomes as well as lower invasive procedure are important to obtain the confidence of cardiologists and ensure request of early phase operation from cardiologists. With recent innovations of technologies and the development of revolutionary techniques, minimally invasive surgery of the mitral valve (MIS-MV) has become a widespread surgical option of mitral valve repair. It is vital, however, that careful preoperative assessment, and planning of the approach and perfusion strategy are put in place to perform MIS-MV safely.     

Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery: a 6-year experience with 714 patients

BACKGROUND: This study analyzes a single institutional experience with minimally invasive mitral valve operations of 6 years, reviewing short-term morbidity and mortality and long-term echocardiographic follow-up data. METHODS: Seven hundred fourteen consecutive patients had minimally invasive mitral valve procedures between November 1995 and November 2001; concomitant procedures included 91 multiple valves and 18 coronary artery bypass grafts. Of these 714 patients, 561 patients had isolated mitral valve operations (375 repairs, 186 replacements). Mean age was 58.3 years (range, 14 to 96 years; 30.1% > 70 years), and 15.4% of patients had previous cardiac operations. Arterial cannulation was femoral in 79.0% and central in 21%, with the port access balloon endo-occlusion used in 82.3%. Cardioplegia was transjugular retrograde (54.1%) or antegrade (29.4%). Right anterior minithoracotomy was used in 96.6% and left posterior minithoracotomy in 2.2%. RESULTS: Hospital mortality for primary isolated mitral valve repair was 1.1% and 5.8% for isolated mitral valve replacement. Overall hospital mortality was 4.2% (30 of 714). Mean cross-clamp time was 92 minutes and mean cardiopulmonary bypass time was 127 minutes. Postoperatively, median ventilation time was 11 hours, intensive care unit time was 19 hours, and total hospital stay was 6 days. Complications for all patients included permanent neurologic deficit (2.9%), aortic dissection (0.3%); there was no mediastinal infection (0.0%). Follow-up echocardiography demonstrated 89.1% of the repair patients had only trace or no residual mitral insufficiency. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that the minimally invasive port access approach to mitral valve operations is reproducible with low perioperative morbidity and mortality and with late outcomes that are equivalent to conventional operations.     

Minimally invasive, totally gasless video-assisted thyroid lobectomy.

BACKGROUND: Neck surgery is one of the newest fields of application of video-assisted surgery. We developed a technique for minimally invasive, totally gasless video-assisted thyroid lobectomy. METHODS: The procedure was accepted by a patient with a follicular nodule of the left lobe of the thyroid. We performed a left thyroid lobectomy through a single 20-mm horizontal skin incision, just above the sternal notch, after inserting a 5-mm 30 degrees laparoscope, by using both endoscopic and conventional instrumentation. RESULTS: The recurrent laryngeal nerve and the parathyroid glands were easily identified and preserved. The operating time was 2.5 hours. No complication occurred. The postoperative stay was 2 days. The cosmetic result was excellent CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that our technique is feasible and safe. This makes us optimistic about the future of minimally invasive, video-assisted thyroid surgery.     

微创外科与电视胸腔镜

外科是采用手术治疗疾病的学科。手术治疗疾病必然会产生创伤,尤其传统胸外科手术切口长、创伤大,给患者生理和心理带来较大的影响。长期以来,以较小的创伤达到较好的治疗效果一直是外科医生追求的目标。近年来随着高科技在医学领域的应用,以腔镜为代表的微创外科手术深受广大患者的欢迎,微创外科技术正在被愈来愈多的胸外科医生所接受,并得到推广和应用。[第一段]     

Minimally invasive surgery for atrial fibrillation: toward a totally endoscopic, beating heart approach

In the last several years, a number of procedures have been conceived that have attempted to treat atrial fibrillation (AF) by creating a limited set of lesions modeled after those of the Maze operation. These lesions have been created by a variety of means, including the traditional cut-and-sew method, but also by nonincisional techniques. These have included cryoablation as well as several thermal techniques, using radiofrequency, microwave, laser, and focused ultrasound energy. One reason for the development of these nonincisional techniques has been the desire to develop less invasive operations for the treatment of AF. The specific goal of our center has been to utilize these energy sources as well as other minimally invasive tools, such as surgical robots, to develop a closed chest, off-pump procedure for AF. The development of such a procedure is outlined in this article.