Over 3,000 Minimally Invasive Thoracotomies From the European Congenital Heart Surgeons Association for Quality Repairs of the Most Common Congenital Heart Defects: Safe and Routine for Selected Repairs

Dodge-Khatami A, Gil-Jaurena JM, Hörer J, Heinisch PP, Cleuziou J, Arrigoni SC, Cesnjevar RA, Dave HH, Giamberti A, Rito ML, Kadner A, Siepe M, Sekelyk R, Kozhokar D, Yemets I, Poncelet A, de Beco G, Rubay J, Rüffer A, Kundt V, Said SM, Tobota Z, Jacobs JP, Padalino M, Vida V (2025)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2025

Journal

World Journal for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery SAGE Publications

Book Volume: 16

Pages Range: 578-584

Journal Issue: 5

DOI: 10.1177/21501351251322155

Abstract

Background: Minimally invasive thoracotomies to repair selected congenital heart defects are considered only a cosmetic alternative approach by many; however, they represent the routine alternative in centers of expertise. Methods: Pooled institutional data from the European Congenital Heart Surgeons Association using mini-thoracotomy approaches were analyzed since the beginning of their respective experiences until an inclusion surgical date of January 31, 2024, allowing at least six months postoperative follow-up. Results: From 1999 to 2024, 3,007 patients from 11 centers underwent surgery. Age and weight ranged from 4 days to 73 years and 3.1 to 106 kg, respectively. Repaired defects included atrial and ventricular septal defects, partial anomalous pulmonary venous return, partial and complete atrioventricular septal defects, double-chambered right ventricle, cor triatriatum, scimitar syndrome, subaortic stenosis, and total anomalous pulmonary venous return (TAPVR). There was no surgical mortality or intraoperative conversion to sternotomy. Complications included wound infections (0.59%), pacemaker requirement (0.23%), phrenic nerve injury (0.26%), bleeding requiring exploration (0.13%), and neurologic injury (0.29%). Early or late reoperations were needed in 0.73%. Conclusion: Minimally invasive thoracotomies are the preferred approach for selected congenital heart defects in the participating pediatric heart centers. Mini-thoracotomy incisions allow safe access to an ever-expanding spectrum of quality repairs, low morbidity, superior cosmetics, and early return to functionality in infants, children, and adults.

Involved external institutions

Westchester Medical Center University Hospital (WMC) US United States (USA) (US) European Congenital Heart Surgeons Association (ECHSA) GR Greece (GR) University of Bari Aldo Moro / Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro IT Italy (IT) University of Padua / Universita degli Studi di Padova IT Italy (IT) Universitätsklinikum Aachen (UKA) DE Germany (DE) Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón ES Spain (ES) Technische Universität München (TUM) DE Germany (DE) University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) / Universitair Medisch Centrum Groningen NL Netherlands (NL) Universitäts-Kinderspital Zürich CH Switzerland (CH) Gruppo Ospedaliero San Donato IT Italy (IT) Inselspital, Universitätsspital Bern CH Switzerland (CH) Ukrainian Center for Pediatric Cardiac Surgery / Центру кардіології та кардіохірургії України UA Ukraine (UA) Université Catholique de Louvain (UCL) BE Belgium (BE)

How to cite

APA:

Dodge-Khatami, A., Gil-Jaurena, J.M., Hörer, J., Heinisch, P.P., Cleuziou, J., Arrigoni, S.C.,... Vida, V. (2025). Over 3,000 Minimally Invasive Thoracotomies From the European Congenital Heart Surgeons Association for Quality Repairs of the Most Common Congenital Heart Defects: Safe and Routine for Selected Repairs. World Journal for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery, 16(5), 578-584. https://doi.org/10.1177/21501351251322155

MLA:

Dodge-Khatami, Ali, et al. "Over 3,000 Minimally Invasive Thoracotomies From the European Congenital Heart Surgeons Association for Quality Repairs of the Most Common Congenital Heart Defects: Safe and Routine for Selected Repairs." World Journal for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery 16.5 (2025): 578-584.

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