Mitral valve reoperation through a median sternotomy is technically challenging and carries higher postoperative morbidity and mortality than the primary operation, especially for a patient with patent coronary bypass grafts. We here present 3 cases of mitral valve reoperation using the beating heart technique under normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass via a mini-thoracotomy. The reasons that precluded sternal reentry were as follows : previous coronary bypass and patent internal mammary artery grafts in 2 cases, and a history of mediastinal wound infection at the initial operation in 1 case. All cases were carried out via right mini-thoracotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass using arterial cannulation via the ascending aorta or the femoral artery, and venous cannulation via the femoral vein and the superior vena cava. Mitral valve repair was performed for 1 case, and valve replacement for 2 cases. Transfusion was not necessary, except for 1 case that had anemia due to hemolysis preoperatively. All patients were discharged without major complications. This technique is a safe and feasible option for a mitral valve reoperation that excludes re-sternotomy, extensive pericardial dissection and aortic clamping, thereby minimizing risks of bleeding, graft injury and myocardial damage.

We performed a survey on actual circumstances of work style of under-40 cardiovascular surgeons and obtained responses from 51 surgeons. We report the results and discussion about the questionnaire.