Question:

For a bicuspid aortic valve, is minimally invasive AVR or conventional AVR better?

I am 34 yrs old, good health and I have been diagnosed with a bicuspid aortic valve fusion that has a prolapse of RCC in diastole. Is it possible to perform a minimally invasive aortic valve replacement based on my condition or is the only option to get the regular, down the middle open heart surgery? Just wondering what my potential options are based on the limited info given.

Submitted by Jeremy from San Antonio, Texas on 07/03/2014

Answer:
by Denton A. Cooley, MD

Either technique is good. In my opinion, the choice ideally belongs to your surgeon who should explain why one approach may be better than another for you, based on his/her understanding of your history, symptoms and clinical findings. Perhaps nothing needs to be done yet, given your young age. Please discuss these topics with your physicians.