Right lateral mini-thoracotomy approach for infective endocarditis in the aortic valve

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical background and postoperative outcomes of patients with infective endocarditis in the aortic valve position and discuss the appropriate approach in the era of minimum invasive cardiac surgery. Methods: We evaluated the preoperative background, intraoperative procedure, and postoperative outcomes of infective endocarditis in the aortic valve including 13 patients at our hospital. The right lateral mini-thoracotomy approach was introduced in six patients with localized infectious changes in the aortic valve. Results: All surgical treatment were performed successfully, and there were no mortality or cardiac events related to recurrent infection. The right lateral mini-thoracotomy approach was completed safely; however, ventricular diverticulum was detected in multidetector computed tomography after surgery. Conclusions: Infective endocarditis in the aortic valve was appropriately treated, and the postoperative course was favorable. The right lateral mini-thoracotomy approach is feasible, but it should be selected carefully only for cases with localized infection in the aortic valve.