Modified Horizontal Right Mini-Thoracotomy for Pediatric Congenital Heart Surgery

Abstract

Classically, pediatric cardiac surgery repairs relied on the median sternotomy for optimal access and visualization of the heart and relevant anatomy. In recent years minimally invasive approaches have developed to reduce recovery times, postoperative complications, and cosmesis in pediatric cardiac surgery patients. The horizonal right mini thoracotomy provides an alternative method of access into the thorax that leaves behind a significantly reduced scar, and when paired with operative visualization techniques we discuss here, does not sacrifice the surgeon's view of critical anatomical structures. In this discussion, we describe this technique exercised in cases of several pediatric cardiac embryonic anomalies including the repairs of ASD, VSD, partial AV canal, and PAPVR.