Video: Mini-Thoracotomy For Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Repair?
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page Last Updated: May 9, 2025
As I remember… Once diagnosed with severe heart valve disease, many patients begin researching surgical options immediately.
During that process, we quickly realize that different approaches for open heart surgery exist. One approach, the mini-thoracotomy, deploys a surgical technique unlike a median sternotomy, robotic surgery or transcatheter procedure.
In the past, we have discussed mini-thoracotomy for aortic valve replacement. To learn more about minimally-invasive techniques for mitral valve repair, please watch this video with Dr. Marc Gerdisch, a leading mitral valve repair surgeon who has successfully treated over 100 patients in our community.
To learn more about mini-thoracotomy (also referred to as port access), you might want to consider the following:
- Scarless Heart Valve Surgery For Women by Dr. Ciuffo
- “What About Port Access For Heart Valve Replacement?” Asks Taylor
- Jim’s Successful Aortic Valve Replacement Via Mini-Thoracotomy
I hope the video and information provided above helps us all learn more about mini-thoracotomy for heart valve surgery.
Keep on tickin!
Adam
Written by Adam Pick
- Patient & Website Founder
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Spike Spriesterbach says on September 13th, 2010 at 5:47 pm |
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Adam, I went through Mitral valve replacement and a Maze procedure about 2 years ago and I already have a small murmur. I was told at the time of the surgery that, because I had thoracic surgery in 2000 when doctors thought I had lung cancer, I wasn’t a candidate for any minimally invasive procedure. I didn’t have the cancer, just Valley fever, but I still suffer nerve damage from that surgery, way beyond my “chest cracking” aftereffects. What I want to know is whether the amazing advancements that have been made, is there any new procedures that I can “look forward to” when it is time for me to undergo more procedures. Please don’t misunderstand, I have enjoyed the extra time I have had but am not looking forward to undergoing dissection again. What can you tell me about the latest procedures and any hope for my situation? Thanks Adam. Spike |
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