Conventional Sternotomy
Median sternotomy has been the preferred approach in mitral valve surgery for many years. It involves an incision due to complications such as inevitable blood loss, transfusion, and a higher risk of surgical site infections, MIMVS has gained ground as a first choice instead.65,66 Sundermann et al. meta-analysis reports similar rates of mortality, but a clear advantage of MIMVS over conventional sternotomy when it comes to postoperative care and hospital stay.66 Nonetheless, some surgeons argue that median sternotomy allows for better exposure and possibly even fewer complications.67
All in all, the efficacy of conventional sternotomy is comparable to that of MIMVS and ongoing clinical trials are still trying to provide the medical community with a definite answer.68