Novel Automated Suturing Technology for Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Replacements

Purpose: Annular suture placement during minimally invasive right anterior thoracotomy aortic valve replacements (MI-AVR) can be challenging. We present the early clinical experience with novel automated suturing technology that may reduce the technical difficulty of this operation.

Description: The technology presented involves an automated articulating suturing device that simultaneously drives dual-curved needles through the aortic annulus to place a pledgeted horizontal mattress suture remotely; a second device with 2 straight needles places suture through the sewing cuff of a prosthetic heart valve.

Evaluation: Automated annular suturing was used in five MI-AVR procedures, which were successfully completed, with no paravalvular leaks detected and a mean aortic valve gradient of 6.4 mm Hg postprocedure. Mean aortic cross-clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass times were 100 and 134 minutes, respectively. All 5 patients were successfully discharged home, with a mean intensive care unit and total length of stay of 2 and 7 days, respectively.

Conclusions: Automated suturing during MI-AVRs is feasible and may reduce the technical challenge of this operation. Further research is necessary to determine its effect on patient outcomes.