The growth of percutaneous aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has driven the development of minimally invasive techniques for the implantation of conventional valves.

The Cardiac Surgery Service of the Germans Trias i Pujol Hospital is a benchmark in this type of intervention, which involves less aggression for the patient.

“The axillary access avoids fracturing the sternum, since the incision is made between the ribs, which allows the aortic valve to be visualized safely and promotes a faster recovery,” explains Dr. Luis Delgado, assistant physician at the Service.

Dr. Valentina Mescola, assistant physician in the same service, adds that “with the accumulated experience, this approach has been applied in surgeries of the mitral, tricuspid and, recently, also the aortic valves.”

This innovative approach allows for reduced postoperative pain, accelerated recovery, decreased transfusions and infections, and improved aesthetic results, an aspect increasingly valued by patients.

The launch of the minimally invasive axillary surgery program has been possible thanks to the coordinated work of the cardiac surgery, anesthesiology, cardiology and intensive care medicine teams.