I read with great interest the information you provided on the mini-sternotomy for aortic valve replacement. I, too am waiting for AVR and as a woman would like to have a mini-sternotomy. Although Dr. Roselli states that “almost all isolated first time aortic valves get a mini-sternotomy in my practice” are there any differences between the two procedures with respect to surgical complications and long term outcomes?

Thanks,
Robin