Operative characteristics
The operative data are shown in table 2. Regarding the etiology of MV
disease, isolated annular dilation was noticed more frequently in the
MIVT group(28.5% versus 8.7%, p<0.001), in contrast to the
incidence of degenerative MV disease slightly in favor of the sternotomy
group (sternotomy: 72.8% versus MIVT: 59.4%, p=0.054)(figure 1).
Accordingly, the number of mitral valve replacements was higher in the
sternotomy group, while isolated annuloplasty was performed more
frequently in the MIVT group. No significant differences were found
regarding the use of neochordae and the performance of concomitant AF
ablation or tricuspid surgery. Duration of cardiopulmonary bypass and
aortic cross-clamp time were significantly longer in the MIVT group.