Operative characteristics
The operative data are shown in table 2. Regarding the etiology of MV disease, isolated annular dilation was noticed more frequently in the MIVT group(28.5% versus 8.7%, p<0.001), in contrast to the incidence of degenerative MV disease slightly in favor of the sternotomy group (sternotomy: 72.8% versus MIVT: 59.4%, p=0.054)(figure 1). Accordingly, the number of mitral valve replacements was higher in the sternotomy group, while isolated annuloplasty was performed more frequently in the MIVT group. No significant differences were found regarding the use of neochordae and the performance of concomitant AF ablation or tricuspid surgery. Duration of cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp time were significantly longer in the MIVT group.