Introduction
Minimally Invasive Aortic valve replacement can be performed through Minimally
Invasive Cardiac Surgery (MICS) or through a catheter-based Trans Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI).
How is it Performed?
There are two approaches to performing minimally invasive aortic valve replacement:
1. Mini sternotomy – is performed through a small cut in the upper part of the chest bone (sternum). This avoids a full split of the sternum, enabling a much quicker recovery than a traditional full sternotomy. Almost all patients requiring aortic valve replacements can be operated through this approach.
2. Right anterior thoracotomy – is when valve replacement is performed through a small 5-7 cm cut, made on the right side of the chest. Recovery is even quicker than a mini sternotomy since it avoids the splitting of any bone. However, not all patients have the favorable anatomy required to undergo this procedure.
Benefits
1. Minimal trauma and pain
2. Minimal blood loss and related complications
3. Minimal risk of wound infection
4. Short hospital stay – 2-4 days average
5. Quick recovery to normal activity – 2-4 weeks average
Trans aortic valve implantation – TAVI
How it is performed?
This is the least invasive method to treat patients with aortic valve stenosis (blockage). This procedure is recommended for patients with multiple medical problems or for the elderly, who may be at high risk for surgical valve replacement.
During this procedure, a tissue valve is passed through a catheter (fine tube) into the heart. The valve is then implanted over the native existing aortic valve of the patient.
