ABSTRACT
Objective To report a new minimally invasive and cosmetic approach for atrial septal defect repair. Methods 46 patients ranged 3.6 to 32 (12.5?7 7) years underwent minimal right vertical infra axillary thoracotomy for atrial septal defect repairs under beating hearts from January 1997 to March 2000. One had a functional single atrum,two had an associated partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection,and three had the moderate pulmonary hypertension. Results The average bypass time was (30 3?7 8) min. There was no operative or late mortality and no morbidity directly related to the thoracotomy with beating heart. 37 patients had been Followed up for 3 months to 2 4 years(1 3?0 6) years. All of patients were free of symptoms. Conclusions The minimal right vertical infra axillary thoracotomy is a safe,cosmetic and minimal invasive approach to median sternotomy for repair of atrial septal defect or anomalous pulmonary venous connection.