Percutaneous cardioplegia delivery using the miniport in minimally invasive mitral valve surgery

Abstract

Minimally invasive cardiac surgery involves limited exposure of cardiac structures. Extracorporeal circulation is usually conducted by peripheral cannulation. Cross-clamp can be achieved by remote ways of either balloon endoclamp or transthoracic clamp. Effective delivery of cardioplegic solution is somewhat more difficult than those above mentioned tasks. In order to prevent additional expenses, we sought to deliver cardioplegic solution in a simple, reproducible, and cost-effective way. The miniport is used for this application. The procedures are reported in detail.