Right Minithoracotomy Versus Median Sternotomy for Mitral Valve Surgery: A Propensity Matched Study

Right minithoracotomy compared with median sternotomy for mitral valve surgery was associated with less postoperative atrial fibrillation, respiratory complications, acute renal failure, chest tube output, and use of packed red blood cells. Given study limitations, the RT approach for mitral valve surgery may have advantages over median sternotomy in selected patients.