Full sternotomy through minimal incision for cardiac surgery: A report of 38 cases / 中国微创外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To summarize the clinical experience of 38 cases of cardiac surgery with full sternotomy through minimal skin incision.Methods A total of 38 cases of selective cardiac surgery were performed from June 2004 to December 2005.The operation was conducted under full sternotomy through a skin mini-incision.Results The operation was successfully completed in all the 38 cases.The total operation time was 175~359 min(mean,84 min),the drainage volume was 110~760 ml(median,380 ml),and the postoperatine hospital stay,7~32 d(mean,10 d).Postoperative short-term complications included 1 case of arrhythmia and 2 cases of pyrexia,all of which were cured.No thoracotomy for hemostasis was required.The incision healed by first intention without infection or separation.Follow-up examinations for 3~18 months(mean,9 months) in 38 cases showed significat improrement of symptoms.The left ventricular ejection fraction after operation was 0.45~0.73(mean,0.62).Conclusions Full sternotomy through minimal skin incision for cardiac surgery is safe and micro-traumatic.This procedure provides advantages of simplicity of performance,no need of special surgical instruments,and good cosmetic outcomes.