Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement.

Aortic valve replacement has proven reliable, relieves life-threatening symptoms, and improves long-term survival of patients with aortic stenosis and aortic regurgitation. Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement uses small incisions; reduces exposure of the patient to surgical trauma, blood utilization, and operative dissection; although still using cardiopulmonary bypass and achieving the same general quality as with the open operation. Early and medium term results for minimally invasive aortic valve replacement approaches show a reduction in pain, improved patient satisfaction, and improved mobility and return to full-time activity. Concomitantly, there should be decreased cost and a decreased reliance on post-hospital rehabilitation.