Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery -- first experience in Poland.

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive cardiac surgery has been introduced to treat various cardiac disorders, predominantly ischaemic heart disease. Its usage in valvular disorders has been only recently proposed.

AIM

To assess safety and efficacy of minimally invasive mitral valve surgery.

METHODS

The procedure was performed in 10 patients (6 females, 4 males, mean age 59+/-7 years). All but one had preserved left ventricular ejection fraction. Two patients underwent mitral valvuloplasty, and mitral valve replacement was performed in all remaining cases. One procedure was a redo surgery following mitral commisurotomy.

RESULTS

In all patients the procedure was effective. Prolongation of cardiopulmonary bypass and aorta cross-clamping time did not increase the complication rate which included one wound infection, one repeated cannulation of the femoral vessels and one minor stroke. Rehabilitation process seemed to be shorter than after standard procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery is a safe and alternative method of treatment, and is associated with excellent cosmetic results.