Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Surgery: Video

Dr. Thomas Molloy explains typical aortic valve issues and minimally invasive solutions for patients.

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The most common issue our patients face is aortic stenosis. Patients with aortic stenosis often don’t notice symptoms for years. When symptoms develop, the most common ones are chest pain, shortness of breath and syncope (fainting). Typically valve replacement should occur as soon as possible after symptoms appear.

For some patients, particularly those at high-risk, we may recommend Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) which requires only a small incision in the groin.

Implantation of a valve can require cardiopulmonary bypass and surgical removal of the calcified valve and implantation of a tissue or mechanical valve. Fortunately, minimally invasive surgical options are available. Minimally invasive options typically allow for smaller incisions, less pain and far less time in the hospital after surgery (see chart below). Over the past 15 years Dr. Thomas Molloy has performed hundreds of these procedures.