What re the advantages of minimally invasive valve surgery?
The incisions are more cosmetic than the traditional sternotomy. This is especially true for women who are candidates for an inframammary approach in which the chest is entered under the breast. This incision is essentially invisible and provides the best cosmetic result. Patients also experience less pain compared to sternotomy due to a smaller incision, less tissue disruption and a lower likelihood of instability. There has also been documentation of less bleeding postoperatively and quicker recoveries. Benefits of minimally invasive valve surgery have also been shown in high risk patients.
