Minimal Invasive Approaches For Aortic Valvular and Subvalvular Surgeries

1. It has been demonstrated that minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (MIAVR) approaches are safe and effective for the treatment of aortic valve diseases. To date, the main advantage of these approaches is represented by the reduced surgical trauma, with a subsequent reduced complication rate and faster recovery. This makes such approaches an appealing choice also for frail patients \[obese, aged, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)(1). 2. Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (MIAVR) has been increasingly accepted in the surgical community as a potential alternative to conventional sternotomy, with advantages of reduced trauma, improved cosmotic and reduced hospitalization(2). 3. The Mini sternotomy (MS) approach represents the most common technique used for Minimally invasive AVR. The MS approach is achieved through 6 to 10cm midline vertical skin incision, performing a partial J sternotomy at the third to fifth intercostal space (3). MIAVR via right mini thoracotomy (RT) is performed through five to seven cm skin incision placed at the level of the second intercostal space without rib resection. After sacrificing the right internal thoracic artery(4). 4. Despite these excellent results, there have been an increasing number of cases performed via minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (MIAVR). This approach has now become an established alternative to FS in order to reduce the "invasiveness" of the surgical procedure, while maintaining the same efficacy, quality and safety of a conventional approach (5).