Right parasternal incision: a uniform minimally invasive approach for valve operations.

The right parasternal incision can be used for replacing or repairing cardiac valves. A specialized retractor system produces excellent exposure and helps avoid groin cannulation. The approach reduces surgical dissection and trauma, does not require sacrifice of mammary arteries, prevents rib spreading, avoids sternotomy, reduces the risk of cardiac injury at subsequent redo operations, and does not require specialized video or thoracoscopic equipment.