Right anterolateral thoracotomy or left anterolateral thoracotomy applied to partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection correction have been reported to obtain cosmetic and less invasive outcomes as alternative approaches to median sternotomy. However, the application of different approaches is still confusing. We compared the perioperative and mid-term outcomes to seek indications of different approaches and guide surgical treatment of partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection.

From July 2019 to August 2023, 44 patients who underwent surgical correction of partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection were recruited. Of these, 13 (29.6%) patients who underwent median sternotomy were separated into M group, 28 (63.6%) patients who underwent right anterolateral thoracotomy were separated into R group, and three (6.8%) patients who underwent left anterolateral thoracotomy were separated into L group. Clinical data were reviewed and compared between each group.

In M group, direct anastomosis accounted for the most (7, 53.8%), in R group, intra-atrial rerouting accounted for the most (22, 78.6%), and in L group, direct anastomosis accounted for the most (3, 100%). R group had shorter cardiopulmonary bypass time (70.0 ± 32.4 vs113.1 ± 83.3, p = 0.029), shorter ICU stay (1.0 ± 0.2 vs 1.9 ± 1.7, p = 0.01), shorter postoperative stay (6.0 ± 1.2 vs 8.3 ± 5.0, p = 0.021), and fewer chest tube drainage (8.4 ± 4.3 vs 13.9 ± 10.2, p = 0.026) compared with M group. Three left-sided partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection in L group adopted off-pump approach.

Median sternotomy S.V.C. can be applicable to all anatomic types of partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection especially for complex types. Considering the minimally invasive advantages, we prefer applying right anterolateral thoracotomy for pulmonary vein connected to right atrium or proximal end of off-pump. Applying left anterolateral thoracotomy for left-sided partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection without atrial septal defect by off-pump.