ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: We reviewed the initial patient series (n=116) of our institution performing minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) (n=79), mitral valve surgery (n=1), or atrial septal closure (ASD) procedures (n=26) using an endoaortic occlusion system. With this technique relevant intra-aortic pressures are exerted on the aortic wall during the clamping time. This might lead to late aortic degeneration and aneurysm formation. Our study sought to evaluate postoperative aortic complications and the quality of life (modified SF-12). METHODS: One hundred sixteen patients (56% male; 54 years ± 14.5; range 19 years to 77 years) underwent a cardiac procedure using an endoaortic clamp. The endoaortic balloon clamp catheter was used to occlude the ascending aorta at pressures >300 mmHg. Patients were rescheduled for echocardiographic examination after a mean follow-up period of 8.8 years. RESULTS: The analysis performed among 78 patients showed no incidence of any structural damage to the ascending aorta at the intraoperative position of the endoaortic balloon. The physical and mental summary scores are equal to those of comparable patient groups. CONCLUSIONS: The endoaortic occlusion system causes no damage to the aortic wall. If the system causes any problems, they occur immediately during surgery. Patients treated with this minimally invasive technique exhibited the same quality of life as those undergoing conventional surgery.