Minimally invasive surgical closure of atrial septal defects via a right anterior thoracotomy.

BACKGROUND

Surgical closure of the atrial septal defect (ASD) is a low-risk operation with little post-operative morbidity involved. The standard approach to ASD closure is via a median sternotomy. However the post-operative midline scar is cosmetically undesirable.

PATIENTS: We report our experience with four female patients who have undergone closure of ASD through a right anterior thoracotomy and a left groin incision for femoral cannulation.

RESULTS

Post-operative recovery was uneventful. The cosmetic results of their operations were good.

CONCLUSION

Closure of ASD via a right anterior approach is a safe method and should preferably be used in young female patients, as better cosmetic results are expected.