Musharaf M, Faridullah Khan, Shoukat A Mughal, Akhtar Hussain.
Minimally invasive approach for ASD closure.
Pak J Cardiol Jan ;15(1):18-20.

During the period of 1998 to 1999 a total of 22 patients had ASD closures via a minimally invasive approach i.e. via a lower median sternotomy. This approach was via a small incision 8-10cms in length from xiphoid upwards and asymmetrical lower median sternotomy up to the second I.C.S. deviated from the midline on the right side. The operation was performed on cardiopulmonary bypass with conventional cannulation techniques. Only one patient required conversion to full sternotomy. There was no incidence of re-exploration for bleeding, no sternal dehiscence and wound infection. These patients had less post operative morbidity, shorter hospital stay and excellent cosmetic results.

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