[Intracardiac operations performed in beating heart through mini-thoracotomy in 34 patients].

OBJECTIVE

To introduce the technique of intracardiac operations performed in beating heart through mini-thoracotomy.

METHOD: >From March 1995 to June 1997, intracardiac operations were performed in beating heart through right subaxillary anterolateral mini-thoracotomy with normothermic extracorporeal circulation in 34 patients. 16 patients had atrial septal defect, 14 ventricular septal defect, 2 mitral insufficiency, 1 right coronary artery-right ventricular fistula, and 1 Ebstein's anomaly.

RESULT: The mean cardiopulmonary bypass time was 22.54 minutes. There were no embolism, arrhythmia and cerebral complications. Postoperative hospital stay was 8.0 +/- 2.2 days. All the patients had no heart murmur and residual shunt, and enjoyed a full range of physical activities in a follow-up of 2 to 26 months.

CONCLUSION

Intracardiac operations performed in beating heart through right subaxillary anterolateral mini-thoracotomy appears to be less invasive, simple, safe and cosmetic.