Endoscopic Mitral Valve Surgery Research Articles

INITIAL EXPERIENCE IN TOTAL ENDOSCOPIC MITRAL VALVE SURGERY WITH THREE–DIMENSIONAL VIDEO–ASSISTED TECHNOLOGY

Abstract Background Minimally invasive approach is nowadays the gold standard for mitral valve disease treatment. New technological tools are the key to improve surgical results and to reduce the biological invasiveness. We report our initial experience in total endoscopic mitral valve surgery using three–dimensional video–assisted technology (EinsteinVision® 3.0, B. Braun, Aesculap AG, Tuttlingen, Germany). Methods From July 2023 to December 2023, 29 patients underwent total endoscopic mitral valve surgery with three–dimensional video–assisted technology and discharged. Results Median (Q1–Q3) age of our population was 60 years (47–67) and 65.5% were males. Median (Q1–Q3) logistic Euroscore was 2.09 (1.5–4.4) and median (Q1–Q3) EuroSCORE II was 0.84 (0.6–1.2). The majority of patients were in NYHA class II and the 48.3% presented with pulmonary hypertension (PAPs > 30 mmHg). Median PAPs resulted 34.5 mmHg. One patient (3.4%) suffered from mitral valve endocarditis. No conversion to full sternotomy was necessary. In six patients with left coronary dominance (20.6%) we used indocyanine green fluorescence to conduct a real–time analysis of the course of the circumflex artery during surgery. No perioperative acute myocardial infarction was observed. No 30–day mortality was reported. One patient (3.4%) suffered from renal failure requiring dialysis, respiratory failure with tracheostomy and pneumonia. Post–operative atrial fibrillation was observed in 7 patients (24.1%) and 1 patient (3.4%) required Pace–maker implantation due to third degree AV block. No re–thoracotomy for bleeding was observed and 24.1% of patients required transfusions with packed blood cells. Non stroke were detected. Median (Q1–Q3) ventilation time was 5 hours (4–7). Median (Q1–Q3) intensive care unit postoperative length of stay were 2 (2–2) days and 7 (7–8) days respectively. Conclusions In our experience, total endoscopic mitral valve surgery with three–dimensional video–assisted technology is safe and feasible with good postoperative outcomes. Moreover, the possibility to use indocyanine green fluorescence to detect the course of the circumflex artery significantly assist surgeons in localizing and avoiding it, thus reducing the risk of perioperative myocardial infarction.

Telesimulation Training for Endoscopic Mitral Valve Surgery: An Air-Pilot Training Concept for Distance Training.

The aim of this study was to validate and assess the feasibility and impact of telesimulation training on surgical skills using a portable mitral valve telesimulator. A telesimulation course composed of 3 online modules was designed based on backwards chaining, preassessment and postassessment, performance feedback, hands-on training on a telesimulator, and the theoretical content. A fully 3-dimensional-printed and transportable telesimulator was developed and sent out to the participants with instruments that were needed. Feedback about the platform was obtained from participants to validate its value as a training tool. Theoretical and technical assessments were carried out before and after the course. Technical assessments were based on the accuracy and time taken to place sutures at the anterior and posterior mitral annulus. In total, 11 practicing cardiac surgeons from Oceania, Asia, Europe, and North America completed the course. Theoretical preassessment and postassessment showed that participants scored significantly higher on postassessment (mean 87.5% vs 68.1%, P < 0.004). The participant evaluation scores of the simulator as a tool for endoscopic mitral valve surgery was 4 to 5 out of 5. There was a significant improvement in the speed (median 14.5 vs 39.5 s, P < 0.005) and the accuracy to place sutures in the mitral valve annulus following course completion (P < 0.001). Here we validated the educational value of a novel telesimulation platform and validated the feasibility to teach participants at a distance the knowledge and skills for endoscopic mitral valve surgery. Future studies will be required to validate the improvement in skills during surgery.

Prediction of poor exposure in endoscopic mitral valve surgery using computed tomography.

In endoscopic mitral valve surgery, optimal exposure is crucial. This study aims to develop a predictive model for poor mitral valve exposure in endoscopic surgery, utilizing preoperative body profiles and computed tomography images. We enrolled patients undergoing endoscopic mitral valve surgery with available operative video and preoperative computed tomography. The degree of valve exposure was graded into 0 (excellent), 1 (fair), 2 (poor) and 3 (very poor). Intrathoracic dimensions-anteroposterior width (chest anteroposterior) and left-to-right width (chest width) of the thorax, height of right hemi-thorax (chest height), angle between the left ventricular axis and the horizontal plane (left ventricle apex angle), heart width, level of diaphragm in midline, and vertical distance between the midline diaphragm level and the highest top of the right diaphragm (Δdiaphragm) were measured. Among 263 patients, mitral valve exposure was graded as 0 in 131 (49.8%), 1 in 72 (27.4%), 2 in 46 (17.5%) and 3 in 14 (5.3%). Body mass index, chest width, left ventricle apex angle, heart width and Δdiaphragm were identified as independent predictors of grades 2 and 3 exposure by stepwise logistic regression analysis, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.822 (P < 0.001). Univariate logistic regression for grade 3 exposure prediction revealed that Δdiaphragm had the largest area under the curve (0.826, P < 0.001). Poor mitral valve exposure occurred in approximately one-fourth of the endoscopic surgery series and might be predicted preoperatively using body mass index and computed tomography measurements to help determine the surgical approach.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement as a bridge to minimally invasive endoscopic mitral valve surgery in Elderly Patients in the era of ERAS and Fast Track TAVI concepts.

In this bicentric study, we report the outcomes of combined transcatheter aortic valve replacement combined with minimally invasive mitral valve surgery. We included a cohort of six patients (79.6 ± 3.2 years, 83% women) with high-risk profiles and deemed to be non-operable with combined mitral and aortic valvular disease. All patients had unsuitable anatomies for transcatheter mitral valve edge-to-edge repair (TEER). Moreover, most of the patients (5/6) suffered a combined aortic valve lesion, which complicates the efficiency of cardioplegia in the case of CBP through minimally invasive incisions. The first stage was implanting a TAVI valve to achieve aortic valve competency and hence facilitate the infusion of cardioplegia after clamping the aorta during endoscopic mitral valve surgery. After one week, we performed the minimally invasive mitral valve repair. Most patients (n = 5; 83%) underwent successful endoscopic mitral valve repair. Intraoperatively, the mean ischemic time was 42 min, and the total bypass time was 72 min. Postoperatively, the mean intubation time was 0 h. Postoperative complications included reoperation for bleeding in one patient (16.7%) and a new heart block requiring pacemaker implantation in one patient (16.7%). There was neither in-hospital mortality nor 1-year mortality.

Simulation-based training for endoscopic mitral valve repair: the impact on basic surgical skills for placement of sutures at mitral valve annulus during 2-h training workshop.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of simulation-based training on surgical skills during 2-h learning labs during surgical annual meeting. During the 36th European Association of Cardiothoracic Surgery annual meeting a learning drylab for simulation-based training for endoscopic mitral valve repair was set up. For this purpose, a validated high-fidelity endoscopic mitral valve surgery simulator and a validated suturing map were used. The training lasted 2 h. Technical pre- and post-assessment were carried out based on time and accuracy to place a suture at the posterior mitral valve annulus. The suture had to be placed within 60 s. The suture was considered anatomically correct if it entered and exited the annulus at the designated place (on the posterior annulus) and accurate if placed within the right width (8-12 mm). In total, 46 participants were included in this study, of whom 18 (38%) were experienced/staff surgeons, 23 (51%) fellows and 5 (11%) residents. Before the training, 48% of the participants failed to place any suture for pre-assessment. After completing the training, 100% of the participants succeeded in placing an anatomically correct suture. There was a significant improvement in the time taken [pre-assessment mean 45 (standard deviation: 25) s vs post-assessment mean 18 (standard deviation: 12) s, P < 0.001] and the accuracy to place a suture in the mitral valve annulus after completing the training (pre-assessment 32.6% vs post-assessment 65.2%, P < 0.001). This study shows a significant improvement in endoscopic skills for mitral valve surgery after completing a 2-h training with a high-fidelity endoscopic mitral valve surgery simulator. This suggests that simulation trainings during scientific annual meetings are effective on surgical skills.

What Does Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery Really Mean? Defining Totally Endoscopic Mitral Valve Surgery Through Meta Analysis.

Minimally invasive approaches to mitral valve surgery are being performed with increasing frequency; however, many of these procedures still involve rib spreading and large incisions. The heterogeneity of self-reported "minimally invasive" approaches limits analysis of outcomes. This review aims to formally define totally endoscopic mitral valve surgery (TEMVS) and assess outcomes. A comprehensive literature search in Pub-Med, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE was used to find studies reporting outcomes on totally endoscopic mitral valve surgery. "Totally endoscopic" was defined as incisions less than 3cm and the avoidance of rib spreading. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality and secondary endpoints included postoperative myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, early reoperation, wound infection, renal failure, and prolonged ventilation. Perioperative patient characteristics were also recorded and analyzed. Thirty-three studies (6031 patients) were included in our meta-analysis. The 30-day mortality rate was 0.33%, p=0.88. The most frequent complications were early reoperation (2.12%, p=0.44) and prolonged ventilation (1.46% p=<0.01). Rates of MI, stroke, and renal failure were each less than 1%. Patient characteristics including age, body mass index (BMI), and ejection fractions were also analyzed. We propose a formal definition of TEMVS, which is performed through incisions less than 3cm and without rib spreading. Thirty-day mortality and other adverse sequelae of TEMVS are uncommon.

Early outcome of endoscopic mitral valve surgery in elderly patients: a high-volume single center experience

IntroductionDespite increasing use of transcatheter approaches, endoscopic mitral valve surgery (MVS) remains an established option for treatment of mitral regurgitation (MR). Nevertheless, as perioperative risk increases with age, outcome of endoscopic MVS in elderly patients is uncertain.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 756 consecutive patients with MR ≥2, who underwent minimally-invasive MVS at our institution between 2016 and 2022. Patients were stratified by age ≥75 (elderly-group; n = 91) or &amp;lt;75 years (control-group; n = 665). All patients received endoscopic MVS via right anterolateral minithoracotomy with non-rib spreading soft tissue retraction and 3D-camera visualization.ResultsOverall surgical risk was increased in the elderly-group (median age of 77 (76–80) years vs. 58 (51–67) years, p &amp;lt; 0.001) with STS-PROM Scores of 1.9% vs. 0.4% (p &amp;lt; 0.001) and increased prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery disease and atrial fibrillation (AFib). Elderly patients were also more symptomatic (NYHA class III 45.7% vs. 29.8%; p = 0.002). Axillo-femoral perfusion was more frequently used in the elderly-group (27.5% vs. 4.2%; p &amp;lt; 0.001). Cross-clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass times were similar. Rate of MV repair was 85.7% vs. 93.8% (p = 0.005). Closure of the left atrial appendage was more frequently performed in the elderly-group (45.1% vs. 23.9%; p &amp;lt; 0.001), whereas rate of concomitant tricuspid valve repair was similar (11.0% vs. 8.9%; p = 0.511). Postoperative complications including perioperative hemodialysis (3.3% vs. 2.9%; p = 0.739), low cardiac output (5.3% vs. 3.8%; p = 0.393), perioperative stroke (1.1% vs. 0.15%; p = 0.224) and myocardial infarction (0% vs. 0.15%) were favorably low in both groups. Acute mortality at 30 days was 2.2% vs. 0.4% (p = 0.112).ConclusionDespite increased prevalence of outcome-relevant comorbidities and surgical risk, perioperative outcome of patients aged ≥75 years undergoing endoscopic MVS is favorable. Therefore, endoscopic MVS is a valuable therapeutic option for selected elderly patients and should be taken in consideration during routine heart-team discussion.

Mastering the learning curve of endoscopic mitral valve surgery.

Endoscopic mitral valve surgery is a challenging procedure. Surgical volume is mandatory to achieve sufficient proficiency and superior results. To this date the learning curve has proven to be challenging. Offering high-fidelity simulation based training for both residents as experienced surgeons can help in establishing and enlarging surgical competences in shorter time without intraoperative trial and error.

Fully Endoscopic Mitral Valve Repair with Percutaneous Cannulation of Groin Vessels.

Endoscopic mitral valve surgery (EMS) has become a standard of care at specialized heart centers, further reducing surgical trauma compared to a traditional minimally invasive, thoracotomy-based approach. Exposure of the groin vessels for the establishment of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) via surgical cutdown in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) may result in wound healing disorders or seroma formation. The avoidance of surgical exposure of the groin vessels by using fully percutaneous techniques for the insertion of a CPB cannula with the implementation of vascular pre-closure devices has the potential to reduce these complications and improve clinical results. Herein, we present the utilization of a novel plug based vacsular closure device with a resobable collagen plug and the absence of suture material for closure of the arterial access for CPB in MIS. While this device was initially predominantly used in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) procedures, with its safety and feasibility shown, we herein show that it can be used in CPB cannulation, since it is capable of closing arterial access sites up to 25 French (Fr.) in size. This device may be suitable to significantly reduce groin complications in MIS and simplify the establishment of CPB. Here, we describe the fundamental steps of EMS, including percutaneous groin cannulation and decannulation using a vascular closure device.

Robotic totally endoscopic mitral valve surgery with moderate hypothermic ventricular fibrillatory arrest

Robotic totally endoscopic mitral valve surgery with moderate hypothermic ventricular fibrillatory arrest

Endoscopic mitral valve repair utilizing cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator for active endocarditis.

Mitral valve repair for endocarditis in an acute setting is still challenging due to difficulties in debriding friable tissue and in leaving enough non-infected tissue for reconstruction. Endoscopic approaches for complex mitral valve procedures via a minimally invasive approach have been reported from high-volume programs. However, the role of endoscopic mitral valve surgery for acute infective endocarditis has not been clearly defined. We report our technique of endoscopic mitral valve repair using the cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator system for active endocarditis. The cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator with a low power setting provides enough debridement of the infective tissue and leaves healthy tissue adequate for repair under a totally endoscopic vision.

Technical tips in non-robotic endoscopic mitral valve surgery: How to approach and expose the mitral valve.

The non-robotic endoscopic mitral valve surgery is performed via a right mini-thoracotomy without the use of rib spreader or robotic assistance. Although it has several advantages over the direct vision minimally invasive and robotic approaches, operating in very limited working space without robotic assistance is technically demanding. In the first place, it is impossible to perform non-robotic endoscopic mitral valve surgery safely and efficiently without knowing how to approach and expose the mitral valve in very limited working space without robotic assistance. This manuscript introduces detailed technical tips for efficient approach and uncompromised exposure of the mitral valve in non-robotic endoscopic mitral valve surgery, including separate bicaval cannulation, decentralized positioning of the instruments, controlling the direction of traction sutures and appropriate use of retractors.

Impact of minimally invasive mitral valve surgery on sexual dysfunction in male patients

BackgroundSexual dysfunction after cardiac surgery can seriously affect patients’ quality of life, but the impact of cardiac surgery on sexual function has long been neglected. Compared with conventional cardiac surgery, minimally invasive cardiac surgery has the advantages of aesthetic appearance and no disruption of the sternal structure, which can greatly improve the patient's quality of life. However, studies focusing on the effects of minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS) on sexual function have not been reported. The objective of this research was to investigate the effects of totally endoscopic mitral valve surgery on health-related quality of life and sexual function in male patients and to provide possible recommendations.MethodsPatients who underwent median sternotomy or totally endoscopic mitral valve surgery at our institution from January 2019 to December 2020 were selected using an electronic medical record system. Data were collected by questionnaires, including the MOS 36-item short-form health survey and the International Erectile Function Questionnaire.ResultsThere were 156 male patients who participated in our study. Of these, 112 patients completed all questionnaires. Forty-five patients (40.18%) developed postoperative sexual dysfunction, including 15 patients (29.41%) in the MIMVS group and 30 patients (49.18%) in the conventional MVS group, indicating that the incidence of sexual dysfunction could be reduced by MIMVS and that the MIMVS group scored better on the International Erectile Function Questionnaire (P < 0.05). On the evaluation of health-related quality of life, the MIMVS group scored better than the MVS group on the mental health and bodily pain subscales of the MOS 36-item short-form health survey. In addition, our study showed that postoperative sexual dysfunction was associated with physical functioning and mental health.ConclusionsIn our study, totally endoscopic mitral valve surgery had less adverse effects on sexual function in male patients than conventional mitral valve surgery. In terms of health-related quality of life, totally endoscopic mitral valve surgery was superior to conventional surgery. Patients who opt for totally endoscopic mitral valve surgery may have a more satisfying and healthier sexual life than those who undergo conventional mitral valve surgery.

Micro-Invasive 3D Endoscopic Mitral Valve Surgery.

Since its introduction in 1995, minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS) has been shown to be a valid alternative to conventional sternotomy and several studies have reported excellent clinical outcomes. While MIMVS is now a commonly performed procedure, it is still difficult to standardize. We proprose here a "road to safer surgery", and offer some tips and tricks that could be useful in its learning and performance, and may help surgeons minimize the risk of major complications. With the introduction of 3D vision with a 3D videothoracoscope for 4K stereoscopic acquisition, a medical LCD ultra-HD monitor and active 3D glasses, it is possible to obtain a very realistic view of the surgical field and the mitral valve anatomy, while significantly reducing the learning curve. We describe the procedure step-by-step, with details from the pre-operative phase to the end of the operation. The procedure is structured in consecutive stages: patient induction and positioning, thoracoscopic access and port placement, surgical field exposure, and operative technique.

Comparative efficacy of five surgical methods in the treatment of mitral regurgitation: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

This study has been compared the effectiveness of different surgical methods in the treatment of mitral regurgitation (MR) in adults by using the network meta-analysis method, so as to provide reference for clinical selection of the best surgical scheme. The PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, and Chongqing VIP Information databases were comprehensively searched until December 2020. We collected retrospective comparative studies on surgical procedures including 3D endoscopic mitral valve surgery (3D-MVS), robot-assisted mitral valve surgery (R-MVS); totally thoracoscopic mitral valve surgery (T-MVS), small incision mitral valve surgery (M-MVS), and traditional thoracotomy mitral valve surgery (C-MVS). Stata16.0 and Addis1.16.8 software was used for network meta-analysis using the Bayesian approach. A total of 31 studies were included, 12,998 patients, involving five surgical methods. Network meta-analysis showed that: in terms of complications (odds ratio [OR]: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.13-3.00, probability rank = 0.37) and MR (OR: 0.03, 95% CI: 0.0-8315, probability rank = 0.64), the 3D-MVS group had the lowest event rate. In terms of blood transfusion rate (OR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.16-1.84, probability rank = 0.45), T-MVS had the lowest event rate. In addition, with the exception of operation time and chest drainage, the R-MVS group has the best curative effect. This minimally invasive surgery has their own advantages and disadvantages. Overall, 3D-MVS is most satisfactory, but more samples are needed.

Concomitant Tricuspid Annuloplasty in Patients Undergoing Totally Endoscopic Mitral Valve Surgery: A Propensity-Score Matched Analysis.

We aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of concomitant tricuspid annuloplasty (TAP) in patients undergoing totally endoscopic mitral valve surgery. It is a single-center, retrospective study that enrolled a total of 173 patients who underwent mitral valve surgery combined with tricuspid annuloplasty between January 2019 and June 2020 in our institution. Patients who underwent totally endoscopic mitral valve surgery with concomitant tricuspid annuloplasty were categorized into the MIMVS-TAP group (N = 51), and patients who underwent mitral valve surgery with concomitant tricuspid annuloplasty through a median sternotomy were categorized into the MVS-TAP group (N = 122). The data collected included detailed demographic and perioperative data. Each patient in the MIMVS-TAP group was individually matched to a patient in the MVS-TAP group, using the propensity scores, and we obtained a matched sample of 51 patients in each group. Parametric and nonparametric tests were used to analyze outcomes. There were no differences in death rates or related major adverse events between the two groups after propensity score matched analysis. The total operation time was longer in the MIMVS + TAP group versus the MVS+TAP group, as were the mean duration of cardiopulmonary bypass time and the cross-clamp time. The mean duration of intensive care unit stay was longer in the MVS + TAP group compared with that of the MIMVS + TAP group, as was the duration of post-operative hospital stay. Totally endoscopic mitral valve surgery with concomitant tricuspid annuloplasty can improve a patient's prognosis, with comparable short-term outcomes to those of the open approaches.

Hospital outcome of concomitant tricuspid annuloplasty during totally endoscopic mitral valve surgery: a propensity matched study

BackgroundThis study aimed to determine how concomitant tricuspid annuloplasty (TAP) affects the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing totally endoscopic mitral valve surgery.MethodsThis was a single-centre, retrospective study. Between January 2019 and June 2020, 143 patients who underwent totally endoscopic mitral valve surgery in our institution were enrolled. Ninety-two patients who underwent isolated mitral valve surgery were categorized into the minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS) group (n=92), and patients who underwent mitral valve surgery with concomitant TAP were categorized into the MIMVS-TAP (n=51) group. Clinical data were collected from all patients, including demographic and perioperative data. We conducted propensity score matching (PSM) by using one-to-one ratio nearest-neighbour matching for baseline demographic data and tricuspid valve-related parameters. Forty patients in each group were matched in this way. Parametric and nonparametric tests were performed for data analysis.ResultsStatistically, postoperative mortality within 30 days was not significantly different between the two groups (P=1). No differences were found in serious adverse events, such as stroke or third-degree conduction block, between the two groups after 1:1 PSM (P=1 and P=0.480, respectively). The mean operation time for the MIMVS+TAP group was longer (232.13±36.05 min) than that for the MIMVS group (204.25±28.49 min; P<0.001). The same was true for the cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time (169.48±25.96 vs. 153.10±23.00 min; P=0.004) and aortic clamp time (110.80±17.37 vs. 101.00±14.38 min; P=0.005). The duration of the intensive care unit stay and the overall postoperative length of stay were not different between the two groups (P=0.734 and P=0.472, respectively). The postoperative systolic pulmonary artery pressure differed between the two groups [38.00±8.45 (MIMVS); 33.65±7.34 (MIMVS + TAP), P=0.022].ConclusionsOur study showed that totally endoscopic mitral valve surgery with concomitant TAP is just as safe and effective as isolated totally endoscopic mitral valve surgery, even with a long surgery duration. Our study also suggested that totally endoscopic mitral valve surgery with concomitant TAP can improve tricuspid function in patients.

Totally endoscopic mitral valve surgery: early experience in 188 patients

IntroductionTotally endoscopic technique has been widely used in cardiac surgery, and minimally invasive totally endoscopic mitral valve surgery has been developed as an alternative to median sternotomy for many patients with mitral valve disease. In this study, we describe our experience about a modified minimally invasive totally endoscopic mitral valve surgery and reported the preliminary results of totally endoscopic mitral valve surgery. The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the results of totally endoscopic technique in mitral valve surgery.Material and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed the profiles of 188 patients who were treated for mitral valve disease by modified totally endoscopic mitral valve surgery at our institution between January 2019 and December 2020. The procedure was performed under endoscopic right minithoracotomy and with femoro-femoral cannulation using the single two-stage venous cannula.ResultsA total of 188 patients underwent total endoscopic mitral valve surgery. Fifty-six patients had concomitant tricuspid valvuloplasty, 11 patients underwent concomitant ablation of atrial fibrillation and atrial septal defect repair was performed in three patients. Only one patient postoperatively died of multi-organ failure. Two patients were converted to median sternotomy. Except for one patient underwent operation to stop the bleeding from the incision site, no other serious complications nor reintervention occurred during the follow-up period.ConclusionsThe modified totally endoscopic mitral valve surgery performed at our institution is technically feasible and safe with the same efficacy as reported studies.

Endoscopic Beating Mitral Valve Surgery

Objective: To investigate the outcome of endoscopic mitral valve (±other procedures) surgery performed in our institution. Methods: Cases performed between 2014-2020 were retrospectively collected from our database. Data was expressed in mean ± standard deviation, categorical data was expressed in frequencies as there is no control to compare to. Results: A total of 36 cases of mitral valve procedure were performed. In 15 cases, one or more other procedures (i.e. tricuspid valve repair, AF ablation or PFO closure) were performed. Total bypass time was 139.0±21.30 minutes with one patient requiring cross clamp due to difficult procedure. Conversion to sternotomy was performed in one patient. Two patients required re-exploration for bleeding. Drainage in the first 24 hour was 391.0±342.38 ml with two patients requiring blood transfusion. Permanent stroke occurred in one patient. One patient died due to myocardial infarction. Total ICU stay was 2.60±5.85 days while total post-operative stay was 8.36±9.74 days. First time isolated mitral valve procedures (21 patients) had the least frequency of complications. Conclusions: Endoscopic beating mitral valve surgery is safe to be performed by experienced teams in endoscopic cardiac surgery. It is an adjunct tool for myocardial protection when cross clamp utilization is difficult. Preoperative Data Category Number or range Mean±SD or frequency Age (mean±SD) 37-85 years 69.10±11.09 Female 13 36.2% NYHA 3-4 24 66.6% Neurological disease 11 27.7% AF/Flutter 11 30.5% Previous sternotomy 12 33.3% Total CPB time (mean±SD) 101-207 minutes 139.0±21.30 Permanent CVA 1 2.7% Hospital stay 1-35 days 2.60±5.85

The String Puppet Technique to Improve Exposure in Totally Endoscopic Mitral Valve Surgery

To determine the feasibility of the string puppet technique as a flexible, dynamic alternative to atrial retractors in totally endoscopic non-robotic mitral and tricuspid valve surgeries. Fifty-one (51) consecutive patients were operated on for totally endoscopic mitral valve repair from July 2017 to February 2018. A 3 cm peri-areolar (males) or submammary (females) incision was placed on the right chest. The thoracic cavity was accessed via the fourth intercostal space. A temporary pacing wire was placed transcutaneously as a puppeteering sling in the thoracic cavity under endoscopic vision. Multicoloured sutures were used to expose the right atrium and interatrial septum by weaving and suspending the sutures on the sling. The sling was tightened to pull up the walls of the cardia and manipulate them externally, like a puppet on a string, to improve selective exposure. We were able to obtain adequate exposure of the mitral and tricuspid valves in all patients without the use of atrial retractors. No patient required conversion to sternotomy due to lack of exposure. None of our patients had postoperative mitral regurgitation of more than 1+ over a mean follow-up of 2 years. The string puppet technique improves exposure of mitral and tricuspid valves in totally endoscopic cardiac surgery. It is safe, effective, easy to perform, and inexpensive.