Conclusion:
Despite an inherent learning curve, minimally invasive MV surgery guarantees a clinical outcome and MV repair quality, at least non-inferior to those of MV surgery via sternotomy. Notwithstanding longer cardiopulmonary bypass and cardiac arrest times, the impact on secondary organ function is negligible, excepted for a lower systemic inflammatory response. The postoperative increase of CK-enzymes suggestive for enhanced rhabdomyolysis needs to be accounted when procedural times tend to exceed the critical time threshold for severe limb ischemia.