Ministernotomy Approach Research Articles

Comparative study of quality of life after aortic valve replacement through partial upper ministernotomy versus full median sternotomy.

Upper ministernotomy for sutureless aortic prosthesis implantation provides an attractive opportunity compared to conventional access. Although in the last decade, the former has gained popularity, data comparing quality of life (QoL) following these procedures are scarce. The purpose of this study was to assess the patient's QoL after aortic valve replacement (AVR) using a ministernotomy approach compared to a full sternotomy. One hundred fifteen AVR patients were operated on using either minimally invasive access with sutureless valve implantation through an upper median ministernotomy (group I; n = 58) or through a full sternotomy (group II; n = 57) with either biological Edwards Perimount Magna™ (Edwards Lifescience, Irvine, USA) (n = 30) or mechanical On-X™ (Carbomedics, Austin, USA) (n = 27) aortic valve prostheses implantation by 1 experienced surgeon. At the end of the follow-up period, QoL was assessed using the EQ-5D-5L scale telephone survey. In group I, there were significantly fewer problems with mobility, pain and usual activities than in group II (p < 0.05). Moreover, the visual analogue scale (VAS) and Health Index (HI) scores were more favorable for patients treated with ministernotomy. Additionally, group II participants provided comments beyond the survey questions, such as tiredness, dyspnea or pain. These kinds of remarks were not reported in group I. Ultimately, the EQ-5D-5L Index Score (IS) was consistent with the variables and more beneficial for group I subjects. Each group was compatible with the benefits for patients in group I. Cardiac surgical procedures for severe aortic stenosis through minimally invasive access are associated with improved QoL parameters.

Comparative efficacy of totally thoracoscopic, mini-thoracotomy, and mini-sternotomy approaches in aortic valve replacement

Aortic valve replacement (AVR) is a critical procedure for patients with aortic valve diseases. This study compares the effectiveness of three minimally-invasive surgical approaches for AVR: totally thoracoscopic (TT), right anterior mini-thoracotomy, and upper mini-sternotomy. We analyzed retrospective data from 130 patients who underwent one of these surgeries, focusing on various factors such as duration of hospital stay, operation time, times for cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamping, postoperative complications, levels of cardiac biomarkers, pain intensity using the Visual Analog Scale, and mid-term survival rates. Results show that while the TT method had the longest operation times, it also had the shortest hospital stays and faster pain reduction post-surgery. Although the TT group initially showed higher cardiac biomarker levels after surgery, these levels normalized by the third day, similar to the other groups. There were no significant differences in mid-term survival and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event (MACCE) rates among the groups. These findings suggest that the TT method, despite longer surgical times, offers a quicker initial recovery, making it a viable option for AVR.

Comparative Analysis of Long-Term Outcomes in Valve-Sparing Aortic Root Reimplantation: Full Sternotomy versus Mini-Sternotomy Approach.

Background: Aortic valve-sparing aortic root replacement (VSARR) David procedure has not been routinely performed via minimally invasive access due to its complexity. Methods: We compared our results for mini-VSARR to sternotomy-VSARR from another excellence center. Results: Eighty-four patients, 62 in the sternotomy-VSARR group and 22 in the mini-VSARR group, were included. A baseline, the aneurysm dimensions were higher in the mini-VSARR group. Propensity matching resulted in 17 pairs with comparable characteristics. Aortic cross-clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass times were significantly longer in the mini-VSARR group, by 60 and 20 min, respectively (p < 0.001). In-hospital outcomes were comparable between the groups. Drainage volumes were numerically lower, and hospital length of stay was, on average, 3 days shorter (p < 0.001) in the mini-VSARR group. At a median follow-up of 5.5 years, there was no difference in mortality (p = 0.230). Survival at 1, 5 and 10 years was 100%, 100%, and 95% and 95%, 87% and 84% in the mini-VSARR and sternotomy-VSARR groups, respectively. No repeat interventions on the aortic valve were documented. Echocardiographic follow-up was complete in 91% with excellent durability of repair regardless of the approach: no cases of moderate/severe aortic regurgitation were reported in the mini-VSARR group. Conclusions: The favorable outcomes, reduced drainage, and shorter hospital stays associated with the mini-sternotomy approach underscore its potential advantages expanding beyond cosmetic outcome.

Aortic Valve Replacement: Totally Endoscopic versus Mini-Sternotomy

(1) Background: The development of totally endoscopic aortic valve replacement has the potential to enhance clinical results compared to mini-sternotomy. To our knowledge, no comparison between these two techniques has been conducted before. Therefore, the objective of this retrospective study is to examine the results after both totally endoscopic and mini-sternotomy approaches. (2) Methods: This study covered all elective patients who underwent isolated aortic valve replacement, either totally endoscopically (n = 392) or through a mini-sternotomy (n = 323), between 2013 and 2021. Multivariable analysis was used to account for baseline variations between the two groups. All data were retrospectively gathered and analysed. The primary objective of this study was the one-year mortality rate. (3) Results: The mean aortic cross-clamping and cardiopulmonary bypass times were significantly longer in the totally endoscopic approach (cross-clamping: 43.73 ± 13.71 min and 61.93 ± 16.76 min, p-value &lt; 0.001; CPB time: 64.86 ± 23.02 min and 93.23 ± 23.67 min, p-value &lt; 0.001). However, perioperative bleeding was lower (706.40 ± 542.77 mL and 444.50 ± 515.84 mL, p-value &lt; 0.001). The primary objective, one-year survival, did not significantly differ between both groups (Mini-AVR: 94.5% vs TEAVR: 93.3%, p-value = 0.520). (4) Conclusions: Our results show that totally endoscopic aortic valve replacement has comparable clinical results compared to aortic valve replacement through mini-sternotomy.

Mini-Sternotomy Versus Conventional Sternotomy In Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery; A Comparative Study.

To assess safety; efficacy and efficiency of mini-sternotomy in aortic valve replacement in comparison to conventional sternotomy on short term follow up. This comparative study between 45 patients having aortic valve replacement via fullsternotomy versus 45 others planned for upper j-shaped mini-sternotomy, was conducted from May 2019 to February 2022 in Kafrelsheikh university hospital, Egypt. Data was collected and statistically analysed to assess outcomes. Mini-Sternotomy approach was compared to conventional approach on the aspects of cardio pulmonary bypass (CPB) (p=0.153) and cross clamp (CC) time (p=0.673),. There was significantly less postoperative bleeding (p<0.001), rate of blood transfusion (p<0.001), duration of ICU stay (p=0.013) and total hospitalstay (p=0.022) in ministernotomy approach in comparison to conventional sternotomy. For primary isolated AVR, lessinvasive techniques are a realistic, practical, and good alternative that offers better postoperative results than Full Sternotomy.

A comparative study of minimally invasive aortic valve replacement with sutureless biological versus mechanical prostheses.

The ministernotomy approach with sutureless aortic bioprosthesis may provide an attractive and safe option for aortic valve disease patients. To assess the early and mid-term outcomes of minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (miniAVR) with sutureless vs. standard prostheses. The study involved 76 consecutive patients (51 males and 25 females) with mean age of 63.2 years who were treated with miniAVR between 2015 and 2022. They were divided into 2 subgroups: group I (n = 40) subjects with sutureless bioprostheses and group II (n = 36) with standard prostheses implanted. Early and mid-term outcomes were evaluated. A probability of survival was estimated by means of the Kaplan-Meier method. No conversion to complete sternotomy was necessary. The median (minimum; maximum) aorta cross clamping and cardio-pulmonary bypass times were 49 (27; 84) and 70 (40; 188) minutes in group I whereas 69 (50; 103) and 95 (69; 170) minutes in group II, respectively (p < 0.001). In-hospital mortality was 5.0% (n = 2) and 2.8% (n = 1) in group I vs. II, respectively (ns). Permanent ICD implantation was performed in 8 (20.0%) in group I and in 3 (8.3%) subjects in group II. In the discharge echocardiography, the function of all prostheses was correct. Five-year probability of survival was much lower in group I (0.75 ±0.10) than in group II (0.94 ±0.04). No wound infection or sternum instability was noted. Intraoperative advantages of miniAVR procedures for aortic valve patients with sutureless bioprostheses do not translate directly into improved early and middle-term outcomes.

Early Outcome of Minimally-Invasive Aortic Valve Replacement through Mini Sternotomy versus Conventional Approach

Early Outcome of Minimally-Invasive Aortic Valve Replacement through Mini Sternotomy versus Conventional Approach

Ministernotomy approach to aortic arch inclusion and frozen elephant trunk in the treatment of acute Stanford A aortic dissection.

This study aimed to report our results of ministernotomy approach to Liu’s aortic root repair technique, Liu’s aortic arch inclusion technique with frozen elephant trunk (FET) in the treatment in type A aortic dissection (TAAD). We retrospectively analyzed data on 68 Stanford A aortic dissection patients from October 2017 to March 2020. All patients underwent Liu’s aortic root repair technique, Liu’s aortic arch inclusion technique with FET and mild-moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest combined with ministernotomy approach. 154 TAAD patients between January 2014 and December 2016 underwent complete sternotomy were selected as control group. Clinical characteristics, data during operation, in-hospital and postoperative outcomes of these patients were observed. The mean hypothermic circulatory arrest time in ministernotomy Patients was 39.3 ± 7.9 min, aortic cross-clamp time was 105.9 ± 12.8 min, cardiopulmonary bypass time was 152.8 ± 24.3 min. Three patients died of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in ministernotomy Patients. Perioperative temporary neurological dysfunction occurred in three (4.41%) patients, and 53 (77.9%) patients did not require any blood product transfusion during and after operation in ministernotomy Patients. Postoperative CT angiography (CTA) examination at 6-32 months showed excellent outcomes except in three (4.41%) cases where arch false lumen patency persisted. The Liu’s aortic root repair technique, Liu’s aortic arch inclusion technique with FET and mild-moderate hypothermia circulatory arrest simplify the surgical procedure and reduce bleeding, which can be accomplished through minimally invasive approach.

Upper mini-sternotomy versus right anterior mini-thoracotomy for Aoric valve replacement

Background: Because of the continuous trend towards less invasive procedures, cardiac operations have become increasingly more sophisticated and complex minimally invasive techniques in cardiac operations require higher surgical abilities to accomplish the same quality compared with the traditional procedures with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) or sternotomy. Objective: To compare the procedure and early postoperative outcome of minimally invasive approaches, limited upper ministernotomy approach with the right anterior minithoracotomy approach. Patients and Methods: Fifty patients with aortic valve disease randomized in this study and divided into two equal groups, and randomly assigned into two equal groups; Group A Ministernotomy group requiring aortic valve surgery. The surgical approach was through the limited upper ministernotomy (6-8cm). Group B Minithoracotomy group requiring aortic valve surgery through right anterior minithoracotomy(5-7cm). Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the cross-clamp time, total bypass time, total operation time. Regarding the length of the skin incision. The mechanical ventilation time was similar, the blood loss and the blood transfusion required was also similar, as well as the ICU stay, as regard postoperative pain, total hospital stay, and the pakage cost effective there was no statistically significant difference in both groups.

A comparative study between mini versus full sternotomy aortic valve replacement

BackgroundAortic valve replacement for treatment of aortic valve diseases is quite common. Minimally invasive procedures have gained a lot of popularity in recent years with the claimed better early postoperative outcomes in comparison with conventional techniques.ObjectiveThe aim was to compare early postoperative outcomes after ministernotomy versus conventional median sternotomy aortic valve replacement.Patients and methodsThe authors prospectively studied 60 patients who underwent aortic valve replacement surgery at the National Heart Institute between the period of May 2020 and July 2021. A total of 30 patients had aortic valve replacement via upper ministernotomy approach, whereas the other 30 patients had aortic valve replacement using conventional median sternotomy. Early postoperative results were compared with each other.ResultsThere was no morality throughout the study. The mean age was 45.8 ± 15.13 years in the conventional group and 51.13 ± 17.8 in the ministernotomy group. Perioperative data showed no significant difference between the two groups, except for aortic orifice (root) diameter, which was wider in the ministernotomy group. The cross-clamp time was 60.33 ± 8.27 in the conventional group and 70.66 ± 6.91 in the ministernotomy group, and the total bypass time was 77.0 ± 8.46 and 88.1 ± 9.55, respectively, with significant difference between the two groups. Postoperative pain levels showed a statistically significant difference and were less severe in the ministernotomy group, and the total hospital stay was shorter in the ministernotomy group, with significant difference between the two groups.ConclusionThe use of upper ministernotomy approach to replace a diseased aortic valve is safe and can be compared with the conventional median sternotomy approach.

Ministernotomy for aortic valve replacement improves early recovery and facilitates proper wound healing - forced propensity score matching design with reference full sternotomy.

IntroductionWith the development of less invasive techniques ministernotomy has become an increasingly popular choice for minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (MIAVR). However, a large discrepancy in the published results, often derived from the center’s own experience, intensifies the need for further re-evaluation in order to better define the real impact of the ministernotomy approach on postoperative clinical condition in short- and long-term observation.AimTo assess the safety and efficacy of MIAVR in comparison to a reference full sternotomy AVR (FSAVR).Material and methodsBetween January 2004 and January 2018, 2386 patients underwent isolated surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR) at our institution. 620 patients were treated minimally invasively (MIAVR) and 1766 patients received FSAVR. Forced propensity score 1 : 1 matching and conditional regressive methods were introduced, ensuring valid comparison and correct estimation. Ultimately, 557 well allocated pairs of treated and control patients were included.ResultsIn-hospital mortality was low and comparable (1.26% for MIAVR, 1.62% for FSAVR). No significant differences in terms of serious adverse events were found, although in patients undergoing MIAVR there tended to be lower incidence of neurological complications (OR = 0.72; p = 0.09) and low output syndrome (OR = 0.66; p = 0.13). In addition to a much faster extubation and discharge from the ICU as well as improved blood management, MIAVR significantly reduced the risk of wound complications (OR = 0.31; p < 0.0010).ConclusionsMIAVR is a safe, effective and reproducible procedure providing at least as good results as FSAVR. Nevertheless, it should be especially recommended to obese, diabetic patients with pulmonary and mobility disorders in order to improve their early recovery.

Sternotomy versus Mini-Sternotomy in Pediatric Patients undergoing Modified Blalock-Taussig Shunt

Abstract Background In the present era, primary correction is the preferred approach to the neonate or young infant with a cardiac anomaly who has two ventricles. However, when only one functional ventricle is present or pulmonary blood flow is reduced, an initial palliative systemic-to-pulmonary arterial shunt is mandatory. In this study we compare post-operative short term outcomes of sternotomy versus mini-sternotomy approaches in pediatric patients undergoing Modified Blalock Taussig Shunt. Patients and Methods A prospective randomized study was conducted on 90 patients who were schedueled for MBT shunt due to a group of cyanotic heart disease. They comprised 2 groups G1: sternotomy group (n = 45) and G2: ministernotomy group (n = 45). Results Mean age was 11± 3.39 months and mean weight was 6.75±1.96 kg in the sternotomy group, while for ministernotomy group the mean age was 10.55± 4.65 and mean weight was 7.00±2.03 kg. The change (%) between preoperative and postoperative oxygen saturation was 35.6% for sternotomy group and 43.8% for ministernotomy group. There were seven cases of mortality (15.6%) in sternotomy grouped compared to three cases of mortality (6.7%) in ministernotomy with P value of 0.314. Superficial wound infection occurred in one case (2.2%) in each group. Mean duration of ventilation was 52.53 ± 15.76 h for sternotomy group and 46.93±19.23 h for ministernotomy group with P value of 0.025, mean ICU stay was 7.42 ± 2.94 days for sternotomy group and 5.13± 2.37 days for ministernotomy with P value of &amp;lt; 0.001. Conclusion Upper ministernotomy is a safe alternative approach for MBT shunt in pediatric patients. It provides the advantages of less ventilation time, less post operative bleeding, and ICU stay.

Minimal Invasive Aortic Valve Replacement by Upper Ministernotomy Approach in Comparison to The Conventional Full Median Sternotomy Approach

Minimal Invasive Aortic Valve Replacement by Upper Ministernotomy Approach in Comparison to The Conventional Full Median Sternotomy Approach

Limited upper mini-sternotomy approach for closed heart surgery in the newborns and infants.

The mini-sternotomy has become a common approach of choice for a wide range of congenital defects requiring minimally invasive surgery. Here, we aimed to present closed heart surgery results via limited upper mini-sternotomy in the newborn and infants. A total of 46 infants who underwent pulmonary artery banding, patent ductus arteriosus ligation, and aortopexy via limited upper mini-sternotomy between December 2017 and October 2020 were enrolled. Patients included 26 males and 20 females with ages ranging from 2days to 12months (median age 3.25 ± 0.9months). The weight ranged from 0.7kg to 8kg (median weight 3.6 ± 1.8kg). These patients were evaluated retrospectively in terms of clinical, preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative parameters. Closed heart surgery procedures were corrected successfully without adverse events intraoperatively. The median operation time was 32min (32 ± 7min). The limited upper mini-sternotomy was performed on 46 patients, including the pulmonary banding (18 patients), PDA ligation (16 patients), and aortopexy (12 patients). No patients required conversion to full sternotomy or to extend the incision. Re-intervention to adjust the tightness of the band was required in 1 patient. There were 4 cases of mortality (8.6%). All four death cases had comorbidity and low birth weight (2500g or less). Limited upper mini-sternotomy is a technically feasible, safe, and effective approach that providing an adequately surgical view in closed heart surgery to reduce the invasiveness of the closed heart surgical repair via median sternotomy or thoracotomy approach.

Atrial Septal Defect Closure via Ministernotomy in Children

Atrial septal defect (ASD) closure is usually performed in children via a conventional sternotomy. In striving to improve the cosmetic result, we have adopted a lower ministernotomy approach with a very small skin incision. We present a single surgeon experience of 110 consecutive patients undergoing surgical closure of ASD, comparing conventional (n=55) and mini-sternotomy (n=55) approaches. Our ministernotomy technique avoids direct superior vena cava cannulation, allowing for a smaller incision, while providing adequate exposure. The ministernotomy approach is safe and provides an excellent cosmetic result.

Arrow Shaped Ministernotomy Approach for the Ross Procedure

Objective: The Ross procedure is thought to have the best long-term results among aortic valve surgical interventions and has excellent hemodynamic characteristics and very low risk of valve thrombosis. We report the first four cases of arrow shaped ministernotomy Ross procedures in young adult patients. Methods: One female and three young male patients aged 42, 33, 43 and 44 respectively, with congenital complete Type 1 A bicuspid aortic valve disease received a Ross procedure via a ministernotomy approach. After a 6-7 cm skin incision, the sternum was divided in the shape of an arrow, down to the third intercostal space. The cardiopulmonary bypass was established through central cannulation. The pulmonary autograft was prepared before aortic cross-clamp and implanted in the aortic position with the everted miniroot technique. This was followed by the pulmonary homograft implantation in the pulmonary position. The arrow shaped sternotomy was closed with a technique developed by us, using an “X” sternal wire at the level of the transversal sternotomy, which was further stabilized with a “butterfly” configuration between the “X” wire and the next proximal standard wire. Results: The cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross clamp time were between 144-148 and 84-87 minutes respectively. The intervention was uneventful, with very good intraoperative transoesophagial echocardiography results. The postoperative course was straightforward (1 day in ITU, 7 days in-hospital stay). The 3-month follow-up results were excellent regarding both the echocardiographic and cosmetic results. Conclusions: The arrow shaped ministernotomy offers the advantage of a wider, more comfortable approach for both the aortic and pulmonary conduits, making it safer for minimally invasive Ross procedures, compared to the partial “J” sternotomy approach.

Upper mini sternotomy approach for pulmonary artery banding: A single centre experience.

Pulmonary artery banding (PAB) remains a crucial technique in modern cardiac surgery. Left lateral thoracotomy, median sternotomy, and left anterior thoracotomy are well-known approaches. With significant scarce reports addressing the application of the upper mini sternotomy approach for PAB, this study aims to share experience and report outcomes of patients operated upon using this approach and its impact on facilitating the redo surgery. Since 2015, we practiced the use upper mini sternotomy approach for PAB in the study center where we conducted this retrospective study of 22 patients who underwent banding through the upper mini sternotomy approach. Indications varied between complete atrioventricular septal defect, multiple muscular ventricular septal defects, and univentricular heart with increased pulmonary blood flow. At the time of PAB, the medians of age 2.0 (1-4.5) months and bodyweight of 3.1 (1.9-4.2) kg were reported against a surgery time range of 75- 135 min and peak gradient across the band of 54-78 mmHg. There was one unrelated mortality case (4.5%) due to a severe attack of pulmonary hypertensive crisis. Fifteen patients underwent the redo surgery. No mortality or sternotomy-related complications were reported following the second stage surgery while the reopening time ranged between 17 and 32 min. The upper mini sternotomy approach for PAB is safe and facilitates the subsequent redo surgery and could be a valuable alternative to other surgical approaches.

Sutureless versus conventional bioprostheses for aortic valve replacement in severe symptomatic aortic valve stenosis

ObjectiveSutureless aortic valves are a novel option for aortic valve replacement. We sought to demonstrate noninferiority of sutureless versus standard bioprostheses in severe symptomatic aortic stenosis. MethodsThe Perceval Sutureless Implant Versus Standard-Aortic Valve Replacement is a prospective, randomized, adaptive, open-label trial. Patients were randomized (March 2016 to September 2018) to aortic valve replacement with a sutureless or stented valve using conventional or minimally invasive approach. Primary outcome was freedom from major adverse cerebral and cardiovascular events (composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke, or valve reintervention) at 1 year. ResultsAt 47 centers (12 countries), 910 patients were randomized to sutureless (n = 453) or conventional stented (n = 457) valves; mean ages were 75.4 ± 5.6 and 75.0 ± 6.1 years, and 50.1% and 44.9% were female, respectively. Mean ± standard deviation Society of Thoracic Surgeons scores were 2.4 ± 1.7 and 2.1 ± 1.3, and a ministernotomy approach was used in 50.4% and 47.3%, respectively. Concomitant procedures were performed with similar rates in both groups. Noninferiority was demonstrated for major adverse cerebral and cardiovascular events at 1 year, whereas aortic valve hemodynamics improved equally in both groups. Use of sutureless valves significantly reduced surgical times (mean extracorporeal circulation times: 71.0 ± 34.1 minutes vs 87.8 ± 33.9 minutes; mean crossclamp times: 48.5 ± 24.7 vs 65.2 ± 23.6; both P < .0001), but resulted in a higher rate of pacemaker implantation (11.1% vs 3.6% at 1 year). Incidences of perivalvular and central leak were similar. ConclusionsSutureless valves were noninferior to stented valves with respect to major adverse cerebral and cardiovascular events at 1 year in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement (alone or with coronary artery bypass grafting). This suggests that sutureless valves should be considered as part of a comprehensive valve program.

Initial clinical experience with minimally invasive surgical aortic valve replacement.

The ministernotomy approach is increasingly used in aortic valve surgery. However, the advantages are still a matter of discussion. The aim of this study was to compare the postoperative outcome in patients undergoing elective aortic valve operation, either through mini-sternotomy or conventional sternotomy. We included 317 patients who were treated for their aortic valve, 63 patients underwent a minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (mini-AVR) and 254 patients underwent a full-sternotomy AVR. Patients with endocarditis, those who underwent previous cardiac surgery and those who required a concomitant procedure were excluded from the analysis. The method of matching weights according to propensity score was used to adjust for differences between the two treatment groups, and outcomes were compared. The mediastinal drainage was significantly lower at 6, 24 hours and total after mini-AVR procedure than after full-sternotomy AVR (median: 373 vs. 499 mL, P<0.001). However, the number of patients receiving packed red blood cells transfusion was similar. Overall, the hospital mortality was lower in the full-sternotomy group, 0% vs. 3.2%, P=0.039. No difference was found in the median hospital length of stay, perioperative myocardial infarction, postoperative incidence of new pacemaker implantation, stroke, prolonged mechanical ventilation and mediastinitis. No patients in the mini-AVR group experienced paravalvular leakage. Midterm survival resulted in no difference between the treatment groups at 4-year (90.5% vs. 95.2%), P=0.75. Although the minimally invasive surgery for AVR may increasingly be applied, our initial experience calls for a careful approach of adapting this procedure.

Totally endoscopic aortic valve replacement: technique and first experience

Abstract Background Cardiac surgery is still looking for new minimally invasive techniques with less trauma and better cosmetic results. In the field of aortic valve replacement, several types of less invasive procedures were introduced, allowing a reduction in blood loss, infections, ventilation times, morbidity and mortality. The most common technique for minimally invasive aortic valve replacement is the mini-sternotomy approach. In this report, the initial experience with a non-sternotomy approach for aortic valve replacement by means of a totally endoscopic surgical technique is presented. Methods The totally endoscopic aortic valve replacement was carried out in 201 patients (59,7% males, mean age: 71.6±11.7 years) from October 2017 until October 2019. Severe aortic valve stenosis was the surgical indication for all patients, who had a mean EuroSCORE II of 2.35±3.82. The surgery was carried out with the patient in supine position and a standard zero-degree optics was used. A 20 mm working port in the 2nd right intercostal space and two 5 mm trocars gained access to the aorta. After groin cannulation, cardiopulmonary bypass was initiated. Transthoracic aortic cross-clamping followed by antegrade administration of a single shot cold mixed-blood cardioplegia was assessed. The aortotomy was followed by the excision of the stenotic aortic valve and the aortic valve prosthesis was implanted in supra-annular position. After the closure of the aorta, an external pacemaker wire was placed. Results Mean cross-clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass times were 62±14 and 94±25 minutes, respectively. No conversion to a sternotomy was needed. The mean length of stay at the intensive care unit was 69.4±149.6 hours while patients spend 9.6±10 days at the hospital. Due to our new fast track protocol, the mean hospital stay in the last two months was 6.1 days (26 patients, 12.9%). The average postoperative blood loss (24h) was 251±298 mL and the patients were ventilated for 6.9±9 hours. In 10 patients (4.9%), re-exploration in an endoscopic way was needed. None of them had a surgical bleeding focus. No paravalvular leakages were detected at discharge. 69 patients (34.7%) developed atrial fibrillation after surgery. In addition, 10 patients (4.9%) underwent a pacemaker implantation postoperatively whereas 4 patients (1.9%) suffered from a CVA. Finally, the 30-day mortality was 2.0%. Conclusion These results concerning the feasibility and safety of totally endoscopic aortic valve replacement are promising. The aortic cross clamping times are acceptable, and the morbidity and mortality rates are low. Long term results are needed to confirm these initial findings. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Private hospital(s). Main funding source(s): Jessa Hospital