Minimally invasive cardiac surgery is rapidly gaining popularity. Diminishing surgical trauma by using smaller incisions seems to achieve the goal of a shorter length of hospital stay with reduced cost, better cosmetic results, and overall patient satisfaction. Therefore, a number of advantages can be anticipated, especially in selected patients. However, surgical complications might also be expected. The case of a 54-year-old male suffering intraoperative aortic dissection due to femoral artery cannulation illustrates the fact that we must be very careful when introducing any modification to the usual clinical practice.
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