An International Survey-Based Assessment of Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery

Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS) is feasible and safe, but its uptake has lagged worldwide. The authors conducted a detailed survey of 75 surgeons, of whom 32 (42 percent) completed the survey. All who completed the survey performed more than 25 MIMVS cases annually. 62 percent used a fully endoscopic approach, whereas 52 percent had used endoscopically assisted strategies. Smaller proportions had used direct visualization (17 percent) or a robot (20 percent). There was wide variability in views on the necessary training and approach to MIMVS, suggesting that consensus guidelines should be established.