Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Surgery

Excerpt

Aortic valve replacement is the gold standard treatment for patients with severe or symptomatic aortic insufficiency or aortic stenosis. Historically, the conventional approach involved replacing the aortic valve through a full median sternotomy. For some patients, this midline anterior chest incision may result in inadequate healing, heightened pain, and an extended recovery period. Patients with conditions such as osteoporosis or diabetes exemplify this, as their thinned-out sternum may take an extended time to heal and be significantly painful. Minimally invasive techniques offer improved cosmetic outcomes, quicker recovery with reduced postoperative pain, and a faster return to daily activities. These techniques have decreased intensive care unit stays and reduced hospital length of stay. Minimally invasive surgical procedures require expensive disposable equipment, making them more costly than traditional surgery.