Abstract

Minimally invasive cardiac surgery in patients older than 65 years old. We analized our experience of minimally invasive cardiac surgery for patients older than 65 years old (n=5) The operative procedures were mitral valve replacement (n=2), mitral valve plasty (n=1), excision of left atrial myxoma (n=1) and aortic valve replacement (n=1). All patients underwent autologous blood donation preoperatively. For safety and efficiency, some technical or mechanical supports were needed such as sternum spreader for MICS, cardiopulmonary bypass circuit system for MICS, extracorponeal defibrillator, and transesopha eal echocardiography. Length of chest skin incision of was 7-10cm. Ischemic time was 127±29 mmn and total perfusion time was 240±49 min. 2 patients (40%) had homologous transfusion erioperatively. No major complication was noted and average hospital stay after operation was 20±7 days. Although MICS may decrease wound pain, shorten hospitalization and reduce cost, long term follow up is required to decide its applicaion.