Sinus venosus atrial septal defect in adults: Surgical repair using partial thoracoscopic approach

Abstract

Introduction

The decision regarding optimal treatment for atrial septal defect (ASD) in adults should be given by a multidisciplinary ACHD team; the best treatment in the presence of right ventricular overload is timely closure, irrespective of age. So far, despite new percutaneous approach for sinus venosus ASD closure, surgery remains gold standard, performed via a median sternotomy on cardiopulmonary bypass.

Methods

Minimally invasive cardiac surgery offers the possibility to repair ASD with a video-assisted approach through a right mini thoracotomy. We report the use of a partial thoracoscopic, combining a small anterior thoracotomy to thoracoscopy in 3 adults of 20, 42 and 46 years old, 1 woman and 2 men.

Results/Expected results

Our female patient was offered a periaareolar incision. All 3 patients had a sinus venosus ASD with right ventricular enlargement. They had no pulmonary hypertension and all had one isolated right superior pulmonary vein connected to the superior vena cava. None had a persistent left superior vena cava draining to the coronary sinus and none had significant tricuspid regurgitation. All ASD were successfully repaired with a two-patch technique, by means of 2 ports positioned on the right chest wall to allow the insertion of surgical instruments and a small thoracotomy. Mean time of cardiopulmonary bypass was 188 minutes, mean time of aortic cross-clamp was 122 minutes and mean time of operation was 242 minutes. Post-operative mechanical ventilation duration averaged 309 minutes and the mean duration of ICU stay was less than 24 hours for all. No death, residual shunt, moderate tricuspid regurgitation or lung atelectasis was found at 2 months.

Conclusion/Perspectives

This partial thoracoscopic approach appears as a feasible and safe approach for surgical closure of sinus venosus ASD in adults. Furthermore, it seems to allow less pain and better cosmetic outcome, particularly in women, using a periareolar incision.