Percutaneous Versus Surgical Femoral Cannulation in Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) is increasingly popular due to its reduced invasiveness compared to traditional methods. A key component of MICS is the establishment of cardiopulmonary bypass, which is typically achieved by cannulating the groin. Traditionally, this process requires a second surgical incision to access the femoral vessels. However, advancements in arterial closure devices have made percutaneous cannulation a viable alternative.  
 
This is a meta-analysis and systematic review comparing percutaneous versus surgical groin cannulation in minimally invasive cardiac surgery. The review incorporated data from three databases and included five studies with a total of 2,038 patients. It found that surgical cannulation was linked to a higher incidence of access site complications, including wound and lymphatic issues, and longer procedural duration. No significant differences were observed between the two methods, including perioperative mortality, stroke, or hospital length of stay. This review underscores the benefits of percutaneous techniques in reducing complications and optimizing surgical efficiency in minimally invasive cardiac procedures.