Extended parasternal approach for aortic and tricuspid valve surgery.

ABSTRACT

We report an extended parasternal approach to aortic and tricuspid valves used in a 31-year-old man. The patient presented with a deformed sternum and severe adhesion between the sternum and right ventricular outflow tract, caused by postoperative mediastinitis, which lasted for 4 years after a radical operation for tetralogy of Fallot during his childhood. The extended parasternal approach provided a safe and excellent exposure of both aortic and tricuspid valves without postoperative chest wall instability.