Background. Ministernotomy incisions have been increasingly used in a variety of settings. We describe a novel approach to ministernotomy using arrowhead incision and rigid sternal fixation with a standard sternal plating system.Methods. A small, midline, vertical incision is made from the midportion of the manubrium to a point just above the 4th intercostal mark. The sternum is opened in the shape of an inverted T using two oblique horizontal incisions from the midline to the sternal edges. At the time of chest closure, the three bony segments are aligned and approximated, and titanium plates (Sternalock, Jacksonville, Florida) are used to fix the body of the sternum back together.Results. This case series includes 11 patients who underwent arrowhead ministernotomy with rigid sternal plate fixation for aortic surgery. The procedures performed were axillary cannulation (n=2), aortic root replacement (n=3), valve sparing root replacement (n=3), and replacement of the ascending aorta (n=11) and/or hemiarch (n=2). Thirty-day mortality was 0%; there were no conversions, strokes, or sternal wound infections.Conclusions. Arrowhead ministernotomy with rigid sternal plate fixation is an adequate minimally invasive approach for surgery of the ascending aorta and aortic root.

Aortic valve disease (AVD) is a highly prevalent condition worldwide. Aortic valve replacement (AVR) is the surgical treatment for those with severe disease. Common etiologies of AVD include aortic stenosis (AS), aortic insufficiency (AI), endocarditis, and congenital diseases. Shared decision-making plays a large role in the treatment methodology chosen for each patient. Selection of valve type and surgical intervention requires strong considerations of age and compatibility with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) to ensure optimal post-operative outcomes. Due to the development of novel surgical techniques, including transcatheter AVR (TAVR) and placement of sutureless valves, patients who previously had limited access to AVD surgical options can now be considered for AVR. Further research into therapeutic development is imperative to improve patient short- and long-term outcomes as well as widen surgical candidacy for those seeking AVR for the management of AVD. Overall, AVR will continue to hold its prominent role in the treatment of AVD.