Upper mini‐sternotomy for aortic valve operations

Objective: To review our experience in using an upper mini‐sternotomy approach to aortic valve surgery. Materials and methods: Nineteen consecutive non‐selected patients (15 males, mean age 66 years) underwent isolated aortic valve replacement using an upper mini‐sternotomy approach. Twelve patients had isolated aortic valve stenosis, four patients had isolated aortic valve incompetence and three patients had mixed aortic valve disease. Results: In all cases, an excellent view of the aortic valve was obtained, aortic valve replacement was performed and no intra‐operative difficulties were encountered. Mean aortic cross‐clamp time was 83 min and mean cardiopulmonary bypass perfusion time was 97 min. All patients except two were extubated in the operating theatre and there were no major postoperative complications. Mean hospital stay was 4 days. There were no late complications. Conclusions: Aortic valve surgery can be performed, in the conventional manner and using standard surgical instruments, through an upper mini‐sternotomy with no alteration to cardiopulmonary bypass or myocardial protection routines.