The only difference between an underarm (axillary) heart surgery and a standard heart surgery is the ‘entry point.’ Based on this, we can define axillary heart surgery as performing standard heart surgery through the underarm region. The heart surgery is performed by making a 6–7 cm incision in the patient’s underarm area. In surgeries performed using this technique, no bones are cut. The surgery is carried out by accessing between the ribs. This method can be applied to men, women, the young, and the elderly. Axillary heart surgery is particularly advantageous for older female patients. In patients who have previously had surgery with a sternotomy (cutting through the chest bone), this underarm surgery technique is also very advantageous if a second surgery is needed.
In the Ozaki Technique, patch materials are usually taken from the pericardium, which is the membrane tissue surrounding the heart. These materials are used to support the valve structure and correct valve function. By using the patient’s own tissue material for valve repair, it can help maintain long-term valve function and reduce the risk of complications associated with artificial materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
This technique, which offers the advantages and comfort brought by advancing technology, can be applied to men, women, the young, and the elderly, as mentioned earlier. Now, let’s detail who this method is suitable for and who it is not.
We routinely use this technique in all heart valve surgeries, whether for valve replacement or repair. We can intervene on 2 or 3 valves simultaneously. For patients who have previously undergone bypass or valve surgery, performing a second valve surgery through the underarm provides significant advantages. Congenital heart diseases, heart defects, and heart tumors can also be operated on in the same manner. While previously we performed single or double vessel bypass surgeries through the underarm, we can now comfortably perform multi-vessel bypasses this way. During the surgery, a special breathing tube is inserted, and the lung on the side where the procedure is being performed is temporarily deflated.
This technique can be easily applied to all patients undergoing mitral valve, aortic valve, and tricuspid valve surgery.
Since this procedure does not involve bone cutting and only requires a 6-7 cm incision in the underarm area, the underarm heart surgery method is particularly advantageous for diabetic and overweight patients in terms of ‘wound healing.’
No need to cut the breastbone (sternum)!
During this procedure, an incision is made in the patient’s underarm area, allowing access to the heart between the ribs. This incision is made 6–7 cm long at the end of the breast under the right armpit, rather than under the chest. The surgery continues through this small incision, with no bone cutting involved.
The process during and after the surgery is comfortable for the patient. The patient does not feel anything different from the classic method during the surgery. The operation is performed under general anesthesia.
During axillary heart surgery, both valve repair and valve replacement surgeries can be performed. If necessary, it is even possible to replace 2 or 3 valves simultaneously through axillary heart surgery. In fact, it is possible to perform both valve procedures and bypass surgery at the same time using this technique.