[Mitral Valve Surgery with Direct Vision Via Right Minithoracotomy].

Mitral valve surgery via minithoracotomy under direct vision is a safe and feasible surgery with excellent short-term and long-term result. Because of patients' satisfaction regarding early recover and cosmetic aspects, further growth and spread of this minimally invasive approach is expected. Although incision is longer in a few cm compared with totally endoscopic cardiac surgery, minithoracotomy approach under direct vision for mitral valve surgery is worth while to adapt. For good operative result, careful patient selection, secure establishment of cardiopulmonary bypass, and strict myocardial protection are important. For avoidance or early detection of complication, appropriate monitoring by trans-esophageal echocardiography and of regional saturation of oxygen on the legs are effective.