Abstract
BACKGROUND: Degenerative aortic stenosis is a prevalent and severe condition necessitating aortic valve replacement (AVR) when the valve area critically narrows to 0.7 cm² or when symptoms are manifested. Traditional AVR via median sternotomy, poses considerable risks for patients with comorbidities or advanced age. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of mini sternotomy aortic valve replacement (MSAVR), a minimally invasive technique designed to reduce surgical trauma, improve postoperative recovery, and lower healthcare costs. METHODS: A reversed L-type upper partial sternotomy (RLUPS) approach was performed in five patients focusing on standardized surgical procedures, and rigorous postoperative care. Key findings indicate that MSAVR markedly reduces postoperative complications, ICU stay, and overall hospital stay compared to traditional sternotomy. RESULTS: The median postoperative length of stay was seven days for MSAVR versus 12 days for traditional sternotomy, with ICU stays of 52 hours and 119 hours, respectively. Our study also highlights the cost-effectiveness of MSAVR, with decreased hospital costs per patient due to reduced ICU resource utilization and shorter hospital stays. These findings suggest that MSAVR is a valuable and advantageous alternative to traditional sternotomy, offering substantial benefits in terms of patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency. CONCLUSION: Our work underscores the potential of minimally invasive techniques in improving the management of severe degenerative aortic stenosis, marking a significant advancement in the field of cardiac surgery.