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Updated: Aug 23, 2026

Technique and Patient Selection Criteria of Right Anterior Mini-Thoracotomy for Minimal Access Aortic Valve Replacement
Published on: March 26, 2018
Aortic valve disease: a practical clinical approach
1Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
Abstract:
The diagnosis and treatment of aortic valve disease can be challenging for the clinician. Aortic regurgitation (AR) may be evaluated with Doppler echocardiography or catheterization. Medical therapy consists of vasodilators. Surgery may be appropriate for patients with symptoms, left ventricular dilatation or diminished left ventricle systolic function. Aortic stenosis (AS) can be evaluated with the same modalities as AR. There is evidence that statin therapy may slow the progression of AS. Contrary to conventional wisdom, vasodilators are safe and effective in certain patients. Surgical valve replacement is performed for symptoms and in certain asymptomatic patients.
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