Less Invasive Mitral Surgery versus Conventional Sternotomy Stratified by Mitral Pathology

There is controversy in the role of less invasive mitral surgery (LIMS) in treating complex mitral pathology.  This study uses the STS National Database to compare LIMS vs. sternotomy stratified by pathology in 41,082 patients.  The authors found that repair rates were higher with LIMS irrespective of mitral pathology.  Stroke rates, atrial fibrillation, pacemaker, renal failure, and length of stay were also shorter with LIMS.