What Does Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery Really Mean? Defining Totally Endoscopic Mitral Valve Surgery Through Meta Analysis.

Introduction: Minimally invasive approaches to mitral valve surgery are being performed with increasing frequency; however, many of these procedures still involve rib spreading and large incisions. The heterogeneity of self-reported "minimally invasive" approaches limits analysis of outcomes. This review aims to formally define totally endoscopic mitral valve surgery (TEMVS) and assess outcomes.