Minithoracotomy versus sternotomy in mitral valve surgery: meta-analysis from recent matched and randomized studies.

Background: There is still ongoing debate about the benefits of mini-thoracotomy (MTH) approach in mitral valve surgery in comparison with complete sternotomy (STER). This study aims to update the current evidence with mortality as primary end point.

Methods: The MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched through June 2022.

Is robotic assistance an added value in minimally invasive mitral valve surgery? A meta-analysis from propensity score-matched series.

Objectives: There is still ongoing debate about the benefits of robotic assistance (R-MVS) in comparison with video assistance (V-MVS) in minimally invasive mitral valve surgery. This study aims to update the current evidence.

Methods: Three propensity score-matched studies published from 2011 to 2021 were included with a total of 1193 patients operated on from 2005 (R-MVS: 536, V-MVS: 657).

Does the Addition of a Gastroepiploic Artery to Bilateral Internal Thoracic Artery Improve Survival?

It is unclear whether the additional conduit to supplement bilateral internal thoracic arteries (BITA) influences the patient outcome in coronary surgery. This retrospective study compared long-term survival of patients undergoing left-sided BITA grafting in which the third conduit to the right coronary system (RCA) was either vein graft (SVG) or gastroepiploic artery (GEA). From 1989 to 2014, 1432 consecutive patients underwent left-sided revascularization with BITA associated with SVG (n = 599) or GEA (n = 833) to RCA.

How decisive is the number of distal arterial anastomoses in coronary bypass surgery?

Background: The benefit of arterial revascularization in coronary surgery remains controversial. The incremental value of additional grafts to the left internal thoracic artery (ITA) has been mainly assessed according to the number of arterial grafts, possibly limiting the detection of its actual impact. We analyzed the influence of the number of distal arterial anastomoses (DAA) performed on late mortality in patients having received from one to three arterial grafts.