Selecting the Access and Approach: Resect Versus Respect

Abstract

Since the late 90s, minimally invasive mitral valve repair (MIMVR) has become a routine technique in cardiac surgery. It is generally defined as a small surgical chest wall incision, which does not involve a complete sternotomy. Using this approach, nearly every surgical technique for mitral valve repair that is performed via full sternotomy can and should also be performed using a mini access approach, as MIMV surgery does not mean accepting compromises.