Abstract
Aortic valve replacement (AVR) via conventional full sternotomy has been the gold standard for treatment of severe aortic stenosis for the last 40 years. Currently minimal access AVR is performed safely with excellent published results. Because of remaining intact shoulder girdle and better cosmetic results, in addition to the known benefits, we preferred the right anterior thoracotomy. In Dresden the minimal access AVR via right anterior thoracotomy is not only performed, furthermore it is trained to the younger generations of surgeons with a special, in Germany unique program.
