Aortic hemiarch replacement: Through a J-shaped lower partial sternotomy

Abstract

Minimally invasive cardiac surgical techniques include the use of partial sternotomy for aortic valve and mitral valve replacement. Partial sternotomy is associated with less pain, better chest and upper-sternal stability, shorter hospital stays, and faster recoveries. However, aortic arch operations are still typically performed through median sternotomies. We describe the case of a 77-year-old woman who underwent elective hemiarch replacement because of an asymptomatic ascending aortic aneurysm. She requested a minimal incision. Our J-shaped partial lower sternotomy adequately exposed the proximal aorta and enabled all cannulations to be performed through the sternotomy. The patient had an uncomplicated postoperative course. We think that a partial sternotomy for ascending aortic and hemiarch replacement can be considered in selected patients for whom the procedure’s benefits are important.