Introduction: The purpose of the study is to clinically evaluate minimally invasive mitral valve surgeries (MIMVS) using a mini bypass circuit. The challenge to perfusion is to keep pace with MIMVS, with demonstrated improvements in perfusion-related technologies.
Methods: From October 28, 2005 to September 10, 2008, we retrospectively evaluated thirty-four elective cases which used the mini-circuit (Medtronic Resting Heart System), with respect to safety, efficacy, cannulation technique, blood usage, resultant hemoglobin, length of ICU and hospital stay, and complications.
Conclusion: The Medtronic Resting Heart System alleviates many factors, such as high shear stress, turbulence, air to blood interface and decreased oncotic pressure caused by hemodilution, providing more efficient perfusion to our MIMVS patients. We demonstrate, with minor circuit modifications and attention to venous air issues, that this mini-circuit can be used safely and effectively, while being associated with improvements in patient outcomes.