Definition of minimally invasive
Studies who were eligible for inclusion in the MI group included those reporting: minimally invasive approach as right mini-thoracotomy (4-6 cm) at the level of the 3rd or 4thintercostal space with or without video assistance, with central and or peripheral cannulation, with external or internal aortic clamping; minimally invasive approach as upper or J-shape mini sternotomy; robotic minimally invasive series.
Given that atrial myxoma was the most frequent cardiac mass, right mini-thoracotomy was the most utilized minimally invasive access10, 11, 14, 15, 17-19; for aortic valve masses a parasternal incision (4 to 5 cm with rib resection and reattachment) was performed in some cases11. Robotic or robotic assisted approach was used in Shilling12, Yang13, Moss16.