Transaortic Endoclamp for Mitral Valve Operation through Right Minithoracotomy in 369 Patients

Objective The effects and benefits of a transaortic endoclamp for mitral valve operation through right minithoracotomy have not been established. Methods The records were examined in 671 patients undergoing mitral valve operation using aortic cannulation through a 6-cm right minithoracotomy in the fourth intercostal space. The ascending aorta was cannulated with a 24-Fr cannula through a 12-mm port in the first intercostal space. The experience from 1998 to 2006 with aortic endoclamping (group A, N = 436) was compared with the experience from 2006 to 2009 with external aortic clamping (group B, N = 235). Aortic endoclamping was achieved with a 30 mL endoclamp introduced through the aortic cannula into the ascending aorta to provide aortic endoclamping, anterograde cardioplegia, and root venting. Percutaneous femoral venous cannulation was used. Results Group A and group B had similar demographics. Endoclamp availability (group A) resulted in significantly less fibrillatory arrest (no clamping) in 67 of 436 (15%) versus 104 of 235 (44%) patients in group B (P = 0.001). In patients with aortic clamping, endoclamp (group A) versus external clamp (group B) was not a determinant of clamp time or pump time. Hospital and late outcomes were not different between groups. No patient complications could be attributed to the endoclamp. Conclusions Aortic endoclamping requires no more clamp or pump time than external clamping and can provide a more bloodless field than ventricular fibrillation without obstructing hardware. Aortic endoclamping is a safe alternative for mitral surgery through right minithoracotomy.