Abstract Aim In view of the increasing interest in Upper mini-sternotomy (UMS) as an alternative approach for conventional full sternotomy AVR (FS), we aimed to compare early and mid-term results between UMS Full-sternotomy AVR. Method This is a retrospective study 231 patients who had aortic valve replacement via upper mini compared with their (FS). Baseline characteristics, operative postoper...

A giant breed dog was presented to a university teaching hospital for restlessness and what its owners perceived be vomiting. The patient subsequently diagnosed with spontaneous pneumothorax secondary pulmonary mass underwent median sternotomy lung lobectomy. Post-operatively, the developed iatrogenic pectus excavatum, which likely contributed morbidity prolonged hospitalisation. Hoyer lift emp...

OBJECTIVES Aortic valve replacement through conventional sternotomy still represents the gold-standard surgical approach for aortic valve disease. However, given the increasing number of patients with comorbidities, strategies that can improve operative results are always sought. Minimally invasive aortic valve surgery, although related to a steep learning curve, might be associated with improv...

Median sternotomy has been used for a long time as a standard approach for many cardiothoracic procedures in children. Many complications have been reported to result from this approach with different incidences. Iatrogenic diaphragmatic hernia has not been reported as a definite complication of such approach. This paper presents a case report for a 14-month-old boy with iatrogenic diaphragmati...

The use of crutches following a sternotomy raises the concern of sternal dehiscence. We discuss secure reinforced sternal closure, classify sternal distractional forces and discuss the postoperative mobilization process.

A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was 'Does a minimally invasive approach result in better pulmonary function postoperatively when compared with median sternotomy for coronary artery bypass graft?'. Procedures such as limited sternotomy and minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) though a minithoraco...

Brachial Plexus Injury (BPI) is an uncommon complication of median sternotomy capable of causing a permanent or transitory sensitivity and/or motor function impairment in the upper limbs. During a cardiac surgery through sternotomy, for the assessment of the thoracic cage configuration and the site of mediastinal structures, a broader surgical field may be required. If the sternal retractors ar...