ABSTRACT
Cardiovascular surgery is, conventionally, performed through a median sternotomy enabling generous exposure to the operative field. This allows central cannulation for cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and performance of complex procedures under direct view. Concurrent advances in cardiopulmonary perfusion, intracardiac endoscopic visualization, instrumentation, and robotic telemanipulation have resulted in a dramatic shift toward efficient and safe cardiac procedures through minimal access.
