Mini-sternotomy for aortic valve replacement reduces the length of stay in the cardiac intensive care unit: meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

ABSTRACT: Background Mini-sternotomy for isolated aortic valve replacement aims to reduce operative trauma hastening recovery and improving the cosmetic outcome of cardiac surgery. The short-term clinical benefits from the mini-sternotomy are presumed to arise because the incision is less extensive and the lower half of the chest cage remains intact. The basic conduct of virtually all other aspects of the aortic valve replacement procedure remains the same. Therefore, similar long-term outcomes are to be expected. Objectives To conduct a meta-analysis of the only available randomised controlled trials (RCT) in the published English literature. Data sources Electronic search for relevant publications in MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL databases were performed. Four studies met the criteria. Study elig

SUBMITTER: Khoshbin E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3225590 | biostudies-literature | 2011

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature