Minimally invasive periareolar approach to repair sinus venosus atrial septal defect with partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Atrial septal defects with anomalous venous connections are commonly repaired via sternotomy, requiring careful baffle reconstruction to redirect pulmonary venous return and ensure a durable result. The cosmetically appealing periareolar incision may provide an esthetically superior alternative to the anterolateral minithoracotomy incision used in minimally invasive cardiac surgery.

METHODS

We describe a patient with a sinus venosus atrial septal defect and partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection who underwent successful minimally invasive, endoscopic repair with apical vein translocation and autologous pericardial baffle reconstruction through a periareolar approach.

RESULTS

Post-operative echocardiography demonstrated excellent results with no residual shunt and a widely patent baffle and preserved biventricular function. At 1-year post-op, our patient has had a greatly improved quality of life and an excellent cosmetic result with normal nipple-areolar sensation.

CONCLUSIONS

We believe that periareolar approaches should be considered for all adult patients with simple and complex atrial septal defects.