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Updated: Apr 1, 2026

Technique and Patient Selection Criteria of Right Anterior Mini-Thoracotomy for Minimal Access Aortic Valve Replacement
Published on: March 26, 2018
Starting out in minimally invasive aortic valve replacement in the UK
Hunaid A Vohra1, Ricky Vaja2, Ilias Iakovakis2
1Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospitals Leicester, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, UK hunaidvohra@yahoo.co.uk.
Objectives:
Here we aim to describe in detail the logical procedure and philosophical approach to establish a minimally access aortic valve replacement programme in the current era.
Methods:
A real example of a National Health Service Trust in the United Kingdom has been described in a step-wise manner.
Results:
The outcomes of the new procedure established in this fashion are reported and the philosophical lessons learnt from the experiences are highlighted.
Conclusions:
It is hoped that this paper will act as a template for newly established surgeons to embark onto a mini-AVR programme. An open-minded and enthusiastic team will undoubtedly be able to facilitate the introduction of this 'new service'. A sensible approach will provide safe and sustainable outcomes.

