Minimally Invasive Approach for Atrial Septal Defect Closure

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This video shows the authors’ technique for atrial septal defect closure via a minimally invasive right thoracotomy. This approach can be used to repair a variety of congenital defects, such as sinus venous atrial septal defects with partial anomalous pulmonary venous return, ventricular septal defects, and mitral valve repairs. While it requires initial training, this technique can be learned by surgeons at all experience levels, from junior to experienced, with excellent outcomes and quick recovery times. At the authors’ center, patients are currently transferred extubated from the operating room through the postanesthesia care unit directly to the ward, with discharge usually on postoperative day two. In experienced hands, the risks associated with this approach are comparable to those of a median sternotomy. 

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