• Jens Teglgaard Lund.
• Thoraxkirurgisk Afdeling RT, H:S Rigshospitalet, DK-2100 København Ø. jenslund@rh.dk
• Ugeskr. Laeg. 2003 Mar 24; 165 (13): 1358-60.

IntroductionMinimally invasive aortic valve surgery is performed in many centres worldwide with low mortality and morbidity. In this article the initial experience from Rigshospitalet, the Copenhagen Universital Hospital, is described.Material And MethodsFrom September 2001 to March 2002, a total of 11 patients underwent isolated aortic valve replacement using a minimally invasive technique. The procedure was performed through an eight centimeter skin incision and an upper partial sternotomy. The mean age of the patients was 60 years (range 38 to 85 years).ResultsNo patients required conversion to full sternotomy. There was no mortality. One patient needed reoperation for bleeding. Three patients developed pericardial effusion postoperatively. No other serious complications were observed.DiscussionMinimally invasive aortic valve surgery can be performed with a minimal invasive technique in selected patients. The cosmetical result is attractive to the patient and several advantages have been described including less surgical trauma, less bleeding, decreased pain, improved recovery of the respiratory function, reduced risk of sternal complications, shorter hospital stay, and faster rehabilitation.

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