Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement: is the effort justified?

Abstract

Minimally invasive aortic valve surgery has been increasingly adopted by many as an alternative approach for aortic valve replacement over the last decade. Even so, considerable confusion continues to persist as to its benefits in terms of patient satisfaction, outcomes, cost effectiveness and other claimed advantages in comparison to the sternotomy approach. A review of published literature since the inception of the technique suggests that the minimally invasive approach for aortic valve replacement is reproducible and may eliminate the need for a full sternotomy in most patients.

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