Objective: Minimally invasive off-pump coronary bypass surgery through anterolateral minithoracotomy (MIDCAB) is a well established procedure for single vessel disease. Surgical trauma is even more reduced by robotically enhanced endoscopic LIMA harvest (Endo-MIDCAB). Here we report about a consecutive series of Endo-MIDCAB procedures at our center.

Objective: Pacemaker or ICD lead removal without technical support is impossible in patients with lead dysfunction more than ten years after lead implantation. Mechanical lead extraction in these patients carries a risk for major bleeding complications. In this retrospective analysis we analysed the risk of laser lead extraction using the excimer laser in patients with >10 yo leads.

Objective: Degenerative and myxomatous mitral valve lesions are frequently seen in patients with thorax deformities often related to inherited disease (e.g. Marfan syndrome). Severe pectus excavatum or kyphoscoliosis may complicate surgical valve repair strategies even through median sternotomy. Here we report about a series of patients who underwent successful minimally-inavsive mitral valve repair through small lateral mini-thoracotomies despite severe thorax deformities.

Objective: Venous drainage for extracorporal circulation (ECC) in minimally- invasive mitral valve reconstruction requires either cannulation of the femoral and jugular veins or single femoral cannulation with a multistage cannula. Here we compare both techniques with regard to intraoperative performance and perioperative complications.

Objective: To compare safety and outcome of minimally-invasive (MIC) mitral valve repair (MVR) in patients >60 years and <60 years.

Objective: In 2009 new HRS guidelines for pacemaker or ICD lead removal have changed the indication spectrum substantially. Non-functional leads have become a class I indication for removal in experienced centers. Here we describe our experience with laser-lead-extraction using the excimer laser with regards to the new guidelines.

Objective: Degenerative and myxomatous mitral valve lesions are frequently seen in patients with Marfan-syndrome and may lead to severe mitral valve prolapse and regurgitation. If mitral-valve-repair (MVR) is feasible in Marfan patients remains controversial. We report on our recent experience with mitral-valve operations in patients with severe mitral regurgitation and Marfan-syndrom.

Objective: Wound infection remains one of the primary causes of postoperative morbidity and mortality after median sternotomy.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate characteristics and outcome of octogenarians requiring isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR) compared to patients younger than 80 years.