less invasive aortic surgery

[jwendlandt]

I have found several sites on the internet about the less invasive aortic valve surgery. This is where they make an incision and go in between the ribs instead of cracking you open. Is this an option now, or something in the future??

 

[Ross]

It's not new, but most facilities still cannot do them. The major centers can. You'd have to ask your surgeon if he can do it.

 

[Jkm7]

My surgeon at Mass General offered me the choice for less invasive for my second OHS last February. I didn't take long to tell him my perference was for the standard open chest. I am very glad I made that choice as I had been somewhat sore for four years following my first surgery and told my surgeon exactly what discomfort I had.

Whatever magic he worked for my second surgery, I am so very much more comfortable this time. If there was a wire or whatever that caused my pain last time, he took care of it this time and I can actually lay on my stomach now! I had been unable to do that ever since my first OHS.

 

[klynnc]

I just asked my surgeon at the Cleveland clinic about this today. My surgery is tomorrow. He said that they were doing this, but they have stopped b/c of some problem or complication - sorry I can't remember specifically the problem - my mind has been racing and not really absorbing all the info thrown at me. But bottom line - he said this "would not be a good choice for me." I am having a hopeful aortic valve repair, but if unable to repair, a replacement.

If you find out anymore on this I'd still be interested to hear.
Best to you.