Orthotopic heart transplantation through minimally invasive approach

Asian Cardiovasc Thorac Ann. 2007 Oct;15(5):446-8. doi: 10.1177/021849230701500520.

Abstract

Minimal access approaches are a trend in cardiothoracic surgery. Gained experience in these minimally invasive techniques have allowed its application to more complicated procedures, such as heart transplantation. Both classic and bicaval techniques of cardiac transplant were performed through a partial lower sternotomy in 10 end-stage heart failure patients with no previous cardiac surgery. The procedure was considered safe with adequate exposure, minimal postoperative pain medication requirements, acceptable operative times, and good long-term outcome.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Analgesics, Opioid / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Heart Failure / etiology
  • Heart Failure / surgery*
  • Heart Transplantation / adverse effects
  • Heart Transplantation / methods*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures
  • Pain Measurement
  • Pain, Postoperative / drug therapy
  • Pain, Postoperative / etiology
  • Sternum / surgery
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Analgesics, Opioid