Objective: Minimally invasive surgical MV repair (MIS-MV repair) is becoming widely accepted.
Besides superior cosmetic results, patients enjoy earlier return to activity, fewer
wound infections and faster recovery. MIS-MVRepair entails peripheral CPB and a right-anterolateral
minithoracotomy. In this study we report our results of a “periareolar approach”:
via a convex incision that straddles the right areolar border (±3cm), we gained access
to the heart through the 4th intercostal space without traumatic rib-spreading and
aiming for an optimal cosmetic result.
Methods: From 11/2015–08/2017 we performed MIS-MVRepair utilizing the periareolar-approach
in 64 patients. Indications were moderate to severe MR and left-atrial-myxoma. Surgery
was performed through full-3D endoscopy. Aortic X-clamping was achieved using the
Intra-Aortic-Occlusion Device (Edwards Lifesciences). Analyzed data: procedure times,
conversion to MV replacement, sternotomy, postoperative pulmonary herniation, MACCE,
hospital stay and overall survival. To assess cosmetic result a battery of patient
questionnaire tests was utilized: Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), Manchester Scar Scale
(MSS), Patient Scar Assessment Scale (PSAS), Dermatology Quality of Life Index (DQLI)
and Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale (SBSES).
Results: MV repair was performed in 62 patients (97%), and involved ring annuloplasty. A leaflet
repair was performed in addition to annuloplasty in 42 patients (66%); no patients
underwent MV replacement. Of the 62 patients, 9 received cryoMAZE ablation (14%),
4 patients underwent PFO closure (7%) and 2 patients had the tricuspid valve repaired
concomitantly (3%). Two patients underwent myxoma resection only (3%). Mean procedure
time, CPB and X-clamp time was 171, 112 and 68 minutes, respectively. No patients
needed their periareolar incision converted to a minithoracotomy or sternotomy. No
postoperative pulmonary herniation or MACCE occurred. Mean hospital stay was 6.5 days
and overall survival was 100%.
Conclusion: The periareolar-approach is safe, efficient and cosmetically appealing. Compared
with the conventional minithoracotomy for MIS-MVR, this technique has proved to be
feasible and allows MV repair through an elegant incision without rib-spreading. SAS
scores suggest that this technique for MIS-MVR delivers patient-satisfying results.