Is not yet time to properly learn endoscopic mitral valve repair

Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS) was developed in the 1990s, but a systematic adoption of this procedure has been somewhat limited. The minimally invasive approach to the mitral valve has several advantages: a fewer blood transfusions, less pain, shorter ventilation time, shorter length of intensive care unit and hospital stay, earlier return to normal activities, lower risk of wound infections and cosmetic improvements. Despite the mentioned benefits, MIMVS was largely criticized because it is technically more complex and requires a long learning curve. Within the surgical complexity the most challenging aspect appears to be the possible development of serious complications.