REDO MINIMALLY INVASIVE MITRAL VALVE SURGERY

Abstract

In recent years, less invasive procedures have emerged as the new trend in mitral valve surgery. The conviction that minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS) could be performed with similar hospital mortality versus standard approach, but with less blood transfusion, earlier recovery of daily activities and with higher patient satisfaction, have driven its diffusion in most centers worldwide. In 2003, we started our minimally invasive mitral valve surgery program and from the beginning of our experience a video-assisted right thoracotomy approach has become our first choice for re-operative mitral valve surgery. In the present chapter we review and discuss potential advantage and pitfall of minimally invasive approaches for re-operation on the mitral valve.