ObjectiveTo compare the surgical effects of total endoscopy and right thoracic small-incision for atrial septal defect repair.MethodsThe clinical data of 60 patients undergoing atrial septal defect repair in our hospital in 2019 under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) were collected. The patients were divided into two groups according to different surgical methods: a right thoracic small-incision group (n=31), including 11 males and 20 females, aged 44.5±11.5 years; a thoracoscopic surgery group (n=29), including 12 males and 17 females, aged 46.5±12.7 years. The clinical data were compared between the two groups.ResultsThe baseline data of the patients were not statistically different (P>0.05). The surgeries were successfully completed in the two groups of patients. The volume of chest drainage in 24 h after the surgery (59.1±43.9 mL vs. 91.0±72.9 mL, P=0.046), red blood cell input (78.0±63.9 mL vs. 121.0±88.7 mL, P=0.036), length of postoperative hospital stay (5.5±2.1 d vs. 7.2±2.1 d, P=0.003), postoperative complications rate (6.9% vs. 22.6%, P=0.029) in the thoracoscopic surgery group were significantly better than those in the right thoracic small-incision group. There was no significant difference in the CPB time, aorta blocking time, operation time, mechanical ventilation time, ICU retention time or postoperative pain score between the two groups (P>0.05).ConclusionThe two techniques are safe and effective. Patients undergoing thoracoscopic repair of atrial septal defect have small trauma, short postoperative hospital stay, mild pain, beautiful incision, and no bone damage, which is worthy of clinical promotion.