Introduction
The use of minimally invasive or transcatheter interventions rather than
standard full sternotomy operations to treat heart valve disease is
increasing. Management of tricuspid valve disease is no different:
minimally invasive techniques are more frequently utilized to perform
standardized surgical operations. Surgery through right mini-thoracotomy
approach has established itself as an optimal option to treat
pathologies affecting atrio-ventricular valves [1] [2].
Experienced and specifically trained surgeons can achieve excellent
results as those obtained with standard sternotomy, with many studies
reporting better pain control, faster recovery and a shorter hospital
stay as compared to conventional surgery [3]. Excellent results have
also been reported for tricuspid valve operations performed with a
minimally invasive approach [4] [5] [6], debate however is
still open regarding venous drainage management during cardiopulmonary
bypass (CPB) and wheatear or not superior and inferior vena cava should
be occluded during opening of the right atrium to avoid air entrance in
the venous line. The aim of the present study is to report operative
outcomes and mid-term follow-up results of minimally invasive tricuspid
valve surgery performed without caval occlusion.