RESUMEN
To assess the results of minimally invasive cardiac valve surgery at Queen Alia Heart Institute. The medical records and operative notes of 60 consecutive patients, who underwent minimally invasive valve surgery with or without other concomitant surgical cardiac procedures at Queen Alia Heart Institute between February 1997 and August 2003, were retrospectively reviewed. A satisfactory valve repair and/or replacement were performed in 58 cases through a minimally invasive approach. Conversion to classical midsternotmy was done in two cases [3.3%]. Mean incision length was 6 cm [rang 5-7]. Mean duration of operation, cardiopulmonary bypass, and cross clamp time was 150, 70, and 35 minute respectively. Mean duration of intensive care unit stay was 30 hours [range 24 to 36 hours] and mean duration o hospital stay was 4 days [range 3 to 5 days]. All patients were discharged from hospital. Postoperative wound infection and neurological deficits were not noticed All patients had a speedy recovery with less pain and trauma. At mean follow-up of 12 months [range 1 month to 1 years] all patients were alive and in NYHA functional class I. Minimally invasive valve surgery is technically feasible, safe and provides adequate exposure for valve repair and/or replacement in selected cases. It allows rapid recovery and early hospital discharge. Case selection an more technical experience are needed to further evaluate the early and long-term outcome of this procedure