&lt;![CDATA[&lt;B&gt;Comparative study between inverted "L" mini-sternotomy and complete sternotomy for the surgical treatment of the atrial septal defect (ASD)&lt;/B&gt;]]&gt;

Luiz C N Sampaio,�Lvaro Rabelo Jr,Marco A V Guedes,Jehorvan L Carvalho,Carlos A P Alves

doi:10.1590/s1678-97412005000100011

Abstract

<![CDATA[<B>Comparative study between inverted "L" mini-sternotomy and complete sternotomy for the surgical treatment of the atrial septal defect (ASD)</B>]]>

Highlights

The complete longitudinal sternotomy is the most commonly utilized incision for surgeons to access the heart and great vessels, because it allows ample approach to these structures
Lateral thoracotomy [1] and parasternal minithoracotomy [2] represent alternative forms of access to the heart, which were developed with the aim of decreasing the trauma of the sternotomy
In the patients of Group A, the approach was by complete longitudinal sternotomy and in Group B patients the form of access was the inverted ‘L’ mini-sternotomy

Summary

Introduction

The complete longitudinal sternotomy is the most commonly utilized incision for surgeons to access the heart and great vessels, because it allows ample approach to these structures. This approach presents disadvantages due to the aesthetic aspect, the possible occurrence of sternal instability in the postoperative period and the possibility of infection, mainly in old and diabetic patients. Lateral thoracotomy [1] and parasternal minithoracotomy [2] represent alternative forms of access to the heart, which were developed with the aim of decreasing the trauma of the sternotomy. Other variations have been suggested: from smaller incisions in the skin [3] with complete sternotomy, to video-assisted thoracic surgery [4].

Methods

Results

Conclusion