“I need valve surgery—but do I have to have a large chest incision?”

For selected procedures, minimally invasive approaches can use smaller incisions than conventional median sternotomy.

STS describes minimally invasive aortic and mitral valve techniques, including mini-thoracotomy and upper hemisternotomy approaches.

❓ Is minimally invasive surgery always better?

No.

❓ Who is eligible?

It depends on anatomy, procedure, previous surgery and surgeon/center experience.

Smaller access is valuable—but safe and effective treatment comes first.