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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg 2001;19:290-293
© 2001 Elsevier Science NL

A minimal transverse incision with low median sternotomy for pediatric congenital heart surgery

Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, No. 7, Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei, Taiwan

Received 2 August 2000; received in revised form 20 November 2000; accepted 30 December 2000.

Corresponding author. Tel.: +886-2-2312-3456, ext. 5091; fax: +886-2-2393-8383
e-mail: ingsh{at}ha.mc.ntu.edu.tw

Objectives: Median sternotomy is the incision of choice for most cardiac surgical procedures, but the full-length vertical skin incision generally leaves an unsightly scar. In certain patients undergoing short, low-risk procedures, cosmetic considerations are of relatively greater importance. Methods: A minimal transverse curvilinear skin incision with low median sternotomy is described which gives adequate exposure for selected open-heart procedures. Since September 1997, this approach has been used in 22 pediatric patients undergoing open-heart surgery including five cases of Fallot's tetralogy. We also compared the operation time and result with other approaches. Results: Using this modified method, the exposure of the heart was good enough, and there were no difficulties in cannulating the ascending aorta for cardiopulmonary bypass. Although it took a longer time to close the wound, the operation time was similar to the standard approach. The small transverse wound was not visible under conventional clothes. Conclusions: A minimal transverse incision with low median sternotomy provides an alternative approach for small wound open-heart surgery in patients with a simple congenital cardiac defect. It is technically feasible and has a good cosmetic result.

Key Words: Minimal incision • Low median sternotomy • Transverse incision • Full sternotomy

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