Current concepts for minimally invasive mitral valve repair.

Minimally invasive mitral valve repair is based on several procedural concepts. Recently, three of them have been intensively discussed: aortic occlusion strategy, use of Goretex-Neo-Chordae to repair mitral valve regurgitation and feasibility and efficacy of the minithoracotomy approach in mitral valve treatment of patients after previous cardiac surgery. Twenty years of experience in minimally invasive mitral valve repair have enabled high-volume centers to present valid data and give their recommendations. Transthoracic aortic clamping with ante- and retrograde cardioplegia in the primary setting and hypothermic fibrillation in reoperative setting are currently favoured means of myocardial protection. Neo-chordae concept of mitral valve repair has gained general recognition and has become the technique of choice for many surgeons. The excellent results of minimally invasive mitral valve repair must be considered whenever already available or any new transcatheter techniques are offered.