Minimally invasive aortic valve surgery
Aortic valve surgery can reduce stress on the heart, and reduce or eliminate symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, and swelling in the legs. In most cases, aortic valve replacement or repair will extend the patient's life.
Surgery on the aortic valve is commonly performed through a sternotomy, where the breastbone is opened to access the heart. Risks associated with sternotomies include:
- infection of the incision post-surgery,
- adverse effects of using the heart-lung machine.
A minimally invasive approach to aortic valve surgery eliminates the risk of infection and reduces the risk of surgical trauma. The recovery period is significantly shorter compared to a sternotomy.
Dr. Davierwala offers two different approaches to minimally invasive aortic valve surgery:
1. Right anterior thoracotomy
- The entire procedure is performed through the space between the second and third ribs on the right side.
- Suitable for aortic valve replacement.
2. Partial sternotomy
- Involves partial opening of the patient's sternum through a small incision (6-7 cm)
- Suitable for:
- aortic valve replacement;
- aortic valve repair;
- aortic root replacement;
- aortic valve-sparing operation;
- redo-aortic valve replacement.
