Thoracoscopic confirmation of correct seating of minimaly-invasive rapid-deployment aortic bioprosthesis.

ABSTRACT

There is a growing interest in minimally invasive access for aortic valve surgery. The upper hemi-sternotomy provides good aortic valve exposure, with numerous possible advantages. Nevertheless, some surgeons remain skeptical about limited access surgery because it is technically more demanding. Sutureless and rapid-deployment bioprostheses could alleviate these concerns by improving ease of implantation. We herein describe the use of video-assisted visualization to verify the position of the balloon-expandable frame during rapid aortic valve deployment. Sutureless and rapid-deployment bioprostheses improve implantation and make it easy to increase minimally invasive access for aortic valve surgery.