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Technique and Patient Selection Criteria of Right Anterior Mini-Thoracotomy for Minimal Access Aortic Valve Replacement
Published on: March 26, 2018
Advances in heart valve surgery
Matthias Aazami1, Hans-Joachim Schäfers
1Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospitals, University of Saarland, Homburg/Saar, Germany.
Abstract:
Heart valve surgery continues to evolve in a dynamic fashion. While the exact role of minimally invasive approaches still needs to be defined, progress has been made in the development of new bioprostheses and their durability. Most importantly, valve repair has been standardized for the mitral and introduced for the aortic valve with results that have been superior to valve replacement. Selection of the optimal procedure for the individual patient is now facilitated. In the future, a wider application of repair procedures and further improvements of biologic valves can be anticipated not only to influence long-term results but also the decision-making process for conservative or surgical treatment.
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