ObjectiveTo analyze clinical outcomes of mitral valvuloplasty (MVP) via right anterolateral minithoracotomy. MethodsClinical data of 23 patients with valvular heart disease who underwent minimally invasive MVP via right anterolateral minithoracotomy from January 2011 to February 2013 in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. There were 8 males and 15 females with mean age of 41±10 years. The procedure was performed through a small (4-6 cm) incision via right anterolateral minithoracotomy. Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was established via femoral artery and vein cannulation. Transthoracic clamp was used for ascending aortic clamping. Cold blood cardioplegia was delivered after aortic cross-clamping. Left atrial drainage was established through right superior pulmonary vein. MVP was performed through the atrial septal approach,and tricuspid valvuloplasty was performed for tricuspid regurgitation if necessary. ResultsAll the operations were successfully performed without in-hospital death. Operation duration was 160-290 (229±37) minutes. Aortic cross-clamping time was 40-121 (67±19) minutes. CPB duration was 60-136 (87±21) minutes. Postoperative mechanical ventilation time was 6-47 (16±11) hours. The length of intensive care unit stay was 19-60 (30±12) hours. Postoperative chest drainage was 80-780 (320±184) ml. Postoperative color Doppler echocardiography showed that left ventricular ejection fraction was 49%-65% (56.0%±4.8%). There were 5 patients with trivial mitrial valve regurgitation and 6 patients with mild tricuspid valve regurgitation. Postoperative mean length of the right thoracic incision was 3.9-6.0 (5.3±0.7) cm. The patients were followed up for 1-24 months. The result of echocardiography showed no modern to severe valve regurgitation. ConclusionMinimally invasive MVP via right anterolateral minithoracotomy is safe and feasible with satisfactory cosmetic and clinical results.