Right anterior minithoracotomy approach for resection of papillary fibroelastoma.

BACKGROUND Right anterior minithoracotomy (RAMT) is an alternative to full or partial sternotomy for accessing the aortic valve. The adoption of this approach for aortic valve replacement has been limited by its perceived technical complexity. Resection of a mobile aortic valve tumor is a simple procedure that is conventionally done through a sternotomy. AIM The following case describes the resection of an aortic valve papillary fibroelastoma through an RAMT. MATERIALS & METHODS This is a report on a single patient's case. RESULTS The fibroelastoma was safely excised through a RAMT approach. DISCUSSION An aortic valve fibroelastoma offers an ideal starting point for surgeons to begin using a RAMT approach. CONCLUSION The excision of aortic valve masses is a procedure that is well suited to minimally invasive strategies, and we suggest sternum-sparing RAMT is the optimal approach.