Aortic Surgery 
Minimally Invasive Surgery
This photo was taken six weeks after replacement of the patient's aortic root and valve using the Columbia bioroot. The patient's scar is approximately 3½ inches long.
Many aortic aneurysm surgeries can be performed with minimally invasive methods. Compared to traditional surgery, minimally invasive approaches may be associated with reduced pain, less scarring, and shorter recovery time. Most aneurysms of the aortic root can be done through skin incisions of approximately 5cm, although we never compromise a patient's safety to achieve a cosmetic result.
When determining the best surgical approach for each patient, we may consider the following options:- One approach is through a 3-4 cm incision made just to the right of the breastbone. This eliminates the need to open the breastbone and allows for a quicker recovery.
- A partial sternotomy is an additional option. In this method, only the top of the breastbone is divided. The incision is quite small and down low enough that patients can still enjoy a wardrobe of open collars or plunging necklines.
- Finally, we can place an incision under the breast (submammary incision). This prevents any scar from being seen, as it is completely under the breast tissue.
- One of the least invasive methods is the transcatheter approach, an investigative approach which entails insertion of a catheter through an artery in the patient's groin. This method may be used to perform aortic valve replacement in patients who are too high-risk to withstand open-heart surgery. At NYPH/Columbia, transcatheter aortic surgery is currently under investigation.
