Current cardiology reports
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Cardiac surgical procedures via traditional sternotomy are safe and effective operations performed by cardiothoracic surgeons worldwide. However, postoperative limitations in upper extremity activity during bone healing are seen as undesirable by some. ⋯ These operations are safe and effective when performed by proficient surgical teams, allowing patients to resume normal activities more rapidly. We explore current evidence supporting the practice of minimally invasive heart valve surgery in 2012 and analyze the clinical impact of these nascent surgical platforms.