Giant asymptomatic pulmonary herniation following minimally invasive mitral valve replacement

Abstract

Minimally invasive valve procedures have become the standard procedure for valvular surgery. Right thoracotomy is the preferred incision for mitral or tricuspid interventions. Complications regarding thoracotomy are almost always either overlooked or ignored. Pulmonary herniation is not that infrequent, but mostly asymptomatic or masked. Pulmonary herniation through thoracotomy incision is the most common presentation and is usually in a limited area. Herein, we present a 62-year-old female patient with giant pulmonary herniation that did not cause any respiratory issues following minimally invasive mitral valve surgery. No treatment was required for pulmonary herniation. She was only given full medical therapy for heart failure.