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Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery MIMVS has become a standard technique to perform mitral valve surgery in many cardiac centers. However, there remains a question regarding when MIMVS should not be performed due to an increased surgical risk.
Consequently, expert surgeons were surveyed regarding their opinions on patient factors, mitral valve pathology and surgical skills in MIMVS. A link to an online survey platform was sent to all surgeons, as well as two follow-up reminders.
Survey responses were then submitted to a central database and analyzed. The survey was completed by 20 surgeons. These results suggest that MIMVS has been accepted as a treatment option for patients with mitral valve pathologies according the expert panel. Initial training and continuing practice is recommended to maintain proficiency, as well as further research and formalization of training programs. Keywords: Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery, cross sectional survey, contraindications, training programs, surgical expertise.
Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery MIMVS has proven to be a suitable alternative to conventional full sternotomy 1 - 4. In the majority of cases, MIMVS is performed through a right antero-lateral mini-thoracotomy, either under direct vision or totally endoscopically.
