Atrial septal defect (ASD) is a hole in the wall that divides the upper chambers of the heart. It may close spontaneously
or require closure. Historical approach was operative closure by a full sternotomy. Currently, the gold standard approach
is the device closure. When this approach is not available or is not indicated, the alternative is the minimally invasive
approaches. In Burkina Faso, West Africa, ASD closure has been performed since 2021 by sternotomy. The authors
report the first experience ever of minimally invasive cardiac surgery. A right mini thoracotomy was successfully used
as an approach to close secundum atrial septal defect in a four-year old boy. Thoracic wall muscles were spared. The
team did not face any technical issue during the procedure and so did not convert to a full sternotomy. Cross clamping
time was 23 minutes and CPB lasted 40 minutes. Postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient discharged on
day five.

Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery, Atrial Septal Defect, Congenital Heart Disease, Burkina Faso.