Meta-analysis of results of subvalvular repair for severe ischemic mitral regurgitation.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare short- and long-term outcomes of patients undergoing mitral annuloplasty (MA) with or without papillary muscle surgery (PMS) for the treatment of ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR). METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement were performed. RESULTS: Nine studies met the inclusion criteria. This meta-analysis identified 478 patients: 228 patients underwent MA alone and 250 patients underwent concomitant PMS. Early mortality was similar between two groups (odds ratio [OR] 1.14, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.51-2.53; P = .75). PMS was associated at follow-up with a higher freedom from cardiac-related events (P = .050); moreover, although both surgical techniques had a positive impact on ventricular remodeling, the PMS group showed a significant higher reduction of left ventricle end-diastolic diameter (OR, 4.89, 95% CI, 2.77-7.01; P < .001) and left ventricle end-systolic diameter values (OR, 4.11, 95% CI, 1.98-6.24; P < .001). Finally, PMS compared with MA alone was associated with a significant reduction of recurrent mitral regurgitation at follow-up (OR, 3.25, 95% CI, 1.60-6.59; P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis demonstrated superiority in terms of ventricular remodeling of a combined approach encompassing PMS and MA over MA alone in IMR. Moreover, the association of subvalvular surgery with restrictive MA decreases the incidence of mitral regurgitation recurrence and cardiac-related events at follow-up.

Mitral Valve Re-Repair Due to Chordal Pseudo-Elongation Through Repeated Right Anterior Minithoracotomy.

OBJECTIVE: We aim to show the step-by-step surgical technique of mitral valve re-repair by means of a repeated right anterior minithoracotomy in a case of a procedure-related early mitral valve repair failure due to left ventricular positive remodeling and chordal pseudo-elongation. METHODS: The patient was readdressed to our institution for an early severe mitral valve regurgitation, less than a year after performing a right minithoracotomy mitral valve repair (42-mm annular ring implantation, P2 triangular resection, and P2 neochord positioning). The mechanism was attributed to a positive left ventricle remodeling and neochordal pseudo-elongation. Therefore, we decided to perform a mitral valve re-repair in a redo minimally invasive cardiac surgery. We describe in a video-guided step-by-step fashion the surgical procedure, from the reopening of the right anterior minithoracotomy to the surgical strategy chosen to address the re-repair, guided by the mechanism of the previous repair failure. RESULTS: We replaced the previously implanted ring with a smaller one and positioned a new polytetrafluoroethylene 4-0 neochord at the P2 level. The patient was discharged home on the fifth postoperative day after an uneventful hospital stay. Predischarge echocardiogram demonstrated undetectable residual mitral valve regurgitation. At 3-month follow-up, echocardiographic and clinical data were encouraging. At 9-month follow-up, the patient endorsed no recurrence of cardiologic symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Redo minimally invasive cardiac surgery is a viable option even in case of a mitral valve re-repair due to previous repair failure, especially when procedure related in degenerative mitral disease. Combining the benefits of mitral valve re-repair with those of a minimally invasive surgery may optimize short-term and long-term outcomes.

Minimally invasive cardiac surgery for complex procedures: extensive septal myectomy and double valve replacement.

In this video tutorial, we demonstrate that minimally invasive cardiac surgery and all its benefits can be applied even to complex, multiple cardiac procedures. We present a 71-year-old patient with severely obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, moderate mitral regurgitation for systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve, moderate aortic stenosis and regurgitation and atrial fibrillation. We performed a mitroaortic valve replacement, transmitral and transaortic septal myectomy and left atrial appendage closure through a minimally invasive approach (right anterolateral minithoracotomy). After establishing peripheric cardiopulmonary bypass, aortic cross-clamping and a left atrium opening, the anterior mitral leaflet was incised circumferentially at its insertion on the annulus to allow an optimal transmitral myectomy. Subsequently, mitral valve removal was completed, and a bioprosthesis was implanted. After closure of the left atrium, the left atrial appendage was closed using a 40-mm device (Atriclip). The aorta was then opened, the aortic valve was excised and a transaortic septal myectomy was completed. Finally, a sutureless aortic bioprosthesis was implanted. Postoperative transoesophageal and transthoracic surgery demonstrated a residual left ventricular outflow tract gradient of 14 mmHg and the correct performance of both biological prostheses. Minimally invasive heart surgery can be offered even to patients requiring complex and multiple procedures, including septal myectomy. Combining the benefits of the operation with those of a minimally invasive approach may optimize postoperative and long-term surgical outcomes.

MicroRNAs miR-584-5p and miR-425-3p Are Up-Regulated in Plasma of Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Patients: Targeting with Inhibitor Peptide Nucleic Acids Is Associated with Induction of Apoptosis in Colon Cancer Cell Lines.

Liquid biopsy has dramatically changed cancer management in the last decade; however, despite the huge number of miRNA signatures available for diagnostic or prognostic purposes, it is still unclear if dysregulated miRNAs in the bloodstream could be used to develop miRNA-based therapeutic approaches. In one author's previous work, nine miRNAs were found to be dysregulated in early-stage colon cancer (CRC) patients by NGS analysis followed by RT-dd-PCR validation. In the present study, the biological effects of the targeting of the most relevant dysregulated miRNAs with anti-miRNA peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) were verified, and their anticancer activity in terms of apoptosis induction was evaluated. Our data demonstrate that targeting bloodstream up-regulated miRNAs using anti-miRNA PNAs leads to the down-regulation of target miRNAs associated with inhibition of the activation of the pro-apoptotic pathway in CRC cellular models. Moreover, very high percentages of apoptotic cells were found when the anti-miRNA PNAs were associated with other pro-apoptotic agents, such as sulforaphane (SFN). The presented data sustain the idea that the targeting of miRNAs up-regulated in the bloodstream with a known role in tumor pathology might be a tool for the design of protocols for anti-tumor therapy based on miRNA-targeting molecules.

Postinfarction ventricular septal defect closure.

After a median full sternotomy, cardiopulmonary bypass is installed in the usual manner. Apical ventriculotomy is performed through the infarcted myocardium. Polypropylene pledgeted mattress sutures are passed from the right to the left ventricular side through the ventricular septal defect, with the pledgets remaining on the right ventricle. Great care must be taken to place the suture on healthy myocardium and away from the edge of the ventricular septal defect; otherwise the chances of a recurrent postoperative ventricular septal defect would increase. The sutures are subsequently positioned through a heterologous patch, previously prepared to be appropriate for the ventricular septal defect closure. A collar of 3 to 4 cm is left on the external side of the patch. A 4-0 polypropylene running suture is placed through this collar and the left ventricle to further reinforce the ventricular septal defect closure. The left ventricular incision is closed with polypropylene 3-0 continuous sutures. For each ventricular edge, the running suture is passed through 2 polytetrafluoroethylene felts: one on the endoventricular side and the other on the epicardial side. Finally, the suture line is reinforced with a continuous 2-0 polypropylene suture, which is passed through the polytetrafluoroethylene felts, the ventricular wall, and the heterologous patch used to close the ventricular septal defect.

Adeno-associated virus-mediated transduction of VEGF165 improves cardiac tissue viability and functional recovery after permanent coronary occlusion in conscious dogs.

We have previously shown that VEGF165 gene delivery into ischemic skeletal muscle exerts not only proangiogenic, but also remarkable antiapoptotic and proregenerative activity. The aim of this study was to determine whether recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV)-mediated gene delivery of VEGF165 into cardiac muscle, during acute myocardial infarction, exerts a protective effect to promote long-term functional recovery. Acute infarction of the anterior LV wall was induced in 12 chronically instrumented dogs by permanent occlusion of the LAD coronary artery. Four hours after occlusion, rAAV-VEGF165 or rAAV-LacZ (n=6 each; 5x10(12) viral particles per animal) was directly injected with an echo-guided needle into the dysfunctional cardiac wall. LV and arterial pressure, dP/dtmax, and ejection fraction were not significantly different between the two groups over time. In contrast, in the infarcted region, at four weeks after infarction, fractional shortening was 75+/-18% and -3+/-15% of baseline and length-pressure area was 54+/-15% and 0.8+/-15% of baseline in VEGF165 versus LacZ, respectively (P<0.05). Histological analysis of the border regions showed a marked increase in the number of alpha-SMA-positive arterioles (68+/-2.8 versus 100+/-3.8 vessels per microscopic field in LacZ and VEGF165 group, respectively; P<0.05). In both groups, the receptor VEGFR-2 was diffusely expressed on the surviving cardiomyocytes and, consistently, myocardial viability was significantly improved in the VEGF165-treated group, with several troponin T-expressing cardiomyocytes displaying nuclear positivity for the proliferation marker PCNA. Altogether, our results indicate that VEGF165 gene delivery exerts a marked beneficial action by enhancing both arteriologenesis and cardiomyocyte viability in infarcted myocardium.

Sutureless Prosthesis Implantation and Ascending Aorta Replacement Through a Ministernotomy Approach.

A significant proportion of patients undergoing aortic valve replacement have a dilated ascending aorta; presence of an ascending aorta aneurysm is viewed as a contraindication for sutureless valve implantation for the potential risk of prosthesis dislodgment. We describe our technique of sutureless prosthesis implantation and concomitant ascending aorta replacement through an upper ministernotomy. Seven patients underwent aortic valve replacement with a sutureless prosthesis and concomitant ascending aorta replacement between November 2014 and October 2016. A J-shaped upper ministernotomy was performed in all patients. Diameter of vascular graft for the replacement of the dilated ascending aorta was chosen according to the size of the selected prosthesis, to recreate a ratio between diameters of the new sinotubular junction and the aortic annulus that should be less than 1.3. Postoperatively. no patient died in hospital. No paravalvular leakage or prosthesis dislodgment was reported. Mean ± SD cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamp times were 142 ± 52 minutes and 85 ± 18 minutes, respectively. In patients undergoing aortic valve replacement and ascending aorta replacement, sutureless valve implantation is a safe and reproducible procedure associated with good postoperative results.

Cost-utility of surgical sutureless bioprostheses vs TAVI in aortic valve replacement for patients at intermediate and high surgical risk.

BACKGROUND: Meta-analyses of studies comparing transcatheter aortic valve implants (TAVIs) and sutureless aortic valve replacement (SU-AVR) show differing effectiveness and safety profiles. The approaches also differ in their surgical cost (including operating room and device). OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the incremental cost-utility of SU-AVR vs TAVIs for the treatment of intermediate- to high-risk patients in the US, Germany, France, Italy, UK, and Australia. METHODS: A patient-level simulation compares in-hospital pathways of patients undergoing SU-AVR or TAVIs; later, patient history is modeled at the cohort level. Hospital outcomes for TAVIs reproduce data from recent series; in SU-AVR patients, outcomes are obtained by applying relative efficacy estimates in a recent meta-analysis on 1,462 patients. After discharge, survival depends on the development of paravalvular leak and the need for dialysis. A comprehensive third-party payer perspective encompassing both in-hospital and long-term costs was adopted. RESULTS: Due to lower in-hospital (4.1% vs 7.0%) and overall mortality, patients treated with SU-AVR are expected to live an average of 1.25 years more compared with those undergoing TAVIs, with a mean gain of 1.14 quality-adjusted life-years. Both in-hospital and long-term costs were lower for SU-AVR than for TAVIs with total savings ranging from $4,158 (France) to $20,930 (US). CONCLUSION: SU-AVR results dominant when compared to TAVIs in intermediate- to high-risk patients. Both in-hospital and long-term costs are lower for SU-AVR than for TAVI patients, with concomitant significant gains in life expectancy, both raw and adjusted for the quality of life.

Implanting neochordae for the repair of mitral valve prolapse using a prosthetic ring with chordal sizing system: a modified technique for myxomatous leaflets.

The use of artificial polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) chordae has been widely adopted in the setting of mitral valve repair. In this tutorial, we present a modified technique for neochordae placement using a semi-rigid complete ring, with a chordal sizing system. This ring was introduced with the aim of standardizing neo-chordae implantation and we introduce a modification of the implantation technique in the presence of myxomatous leaflets.

Sutureless Perceval Aortic Valve Versus Conventional Stented Bioprostheses: Meta-Analysis of Postoperative and Midterm Results in Isolated Aortic Valve Replacement.

BACKGROUND: Aortic stenosis is the most common valvular disease and has a dismal prognosis without surgical treatment. The aim of this meta-analysis was to quantitatively assess the comparative effectiveness of the Perceval (LivaNova) valve versus conventional aortic bioprostheses. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 6 comparative studies were identified, including 639 and 760 patients who underwent, respectively, aortic valve replacement with the Perceval sutureless valve (P group) and with a conventional bioprosthesis (C group). Aortic cross-clamping and cardiopulmonary bypass duration were significantly lower in the P group. No difference in postoperative mortality was shown for the P and C groups (2.8% versus 2.7%, respectively; odds ratio [OR]: 0.99 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.52-1.88]; P=0.98). Incidence of postoperative renal failure was lower in the P group compared with the C group (2.7% versus 5.5%; OR: 0.45 [95% CI, 0.25-0.80]; P=0.007). Incidence of stroke (2.3% versus 1.7%; OR: 1.34 [95% CI, 0.56-3.21]; P=0.51) and paravalvular leak (3.1% versus 1.6%; OR: 2.52 [95% CI, 0.60-1.06]; P=0.21) was similar, whereas P group patients received fewer blood transfusions than C group patients (1.16±1.2 versus 2.13±2.2; mean difference: 0.99 [95% CI, -1.22 to -0.75]; P=0.001). The incidence of pacemaker implantation was higher in the P than the C group (7.9% versus 3.1%; OR: 2.45 [95% CI, 1.44-4.17]; P=0.001), whereas hemodynamic Perceval performance was better (transvalvular gradient 23.42±1.73 versus 22.8±1.86; mean difference: 0.90 [95% CI, 0.62-1.18]; P=0.001), even during follow-up (10.98±5.7 versus 13.06±6.2; mean difference: -2.08 [95% CI, -3.96 to -0.21]; P=0.030). We found no difference in 1-year mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The Perceval bioprosthesis improves the postoperative course compared with conventional bioprostheses and is an option for high-risk patients.

Sutureless aortic valve replacement versus transcatheter aortic valve implantation: a meta-analysis of comparative matched studies using propensity score matching.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare outcomes of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with those undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement using sutureless valves. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement was performed. RESULTS: No randomized controlled trials were identified. Six comparative studies using propensity score matching met the inclusion criteria. This meta-analysis identified 1462 patients in that 731 patients underwent surgical aortic valve replacement using sutureless valves (SU) and 731 patients underwent a TAVI. The 30-day or in-hospital mortality was lower in the SU group [odds ratio (OR) 0.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.36-0.80; P = 0.003]. In the TAVI group, the incidence of postoperative stroke was higher (OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.17-0.79; P = 0.01). The incidence of moderate or severe paravalvular regurgitation was higher in the TAVI group (OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.14-0.35; P = 0.001). There were neither differences in the postoperative renal failure (OR 1.44, 95% CI 0.46-4.58; P = 0.53) nor in the number of patients requiring postoperative pacemaker implantation (OR 1.06, 95% CI 0.54-2.08; P = 0.86). Patients in the SU group required more transfusions (OR 4.47, 95% CI 2.77-7.21; P = 0.0001), whereas those in the TAVI group had higher major vascular complications (OR 0.06, 95% CI 0.01-0.25; P = 0.0001). Intensive care unit stay was not different (mean difference 0.99, 95% CI - 1.22 to 1.40; P = 0.53). One-year survival was better in the SU group (Peto OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.18-0.67; P = 0.001), as was the 2-year survival (Peto OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.17-0.86; P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical aortic valve replacement using sutureless valves is associated with better early and mid-term outcomes compared with TAVI in high- or intermediate-risk patients.

Mitral valve repair using a prosthetic ring with chordal sizing system: a modified technique in the presence of myxomatous leaflets.

A semi-rigid complete ring including a chordal sizing system has been introduced with the aim of standardizing neochordae implantation. Instructions for use of this ring suggest to pass the neochordae through the free margin of mitral leaflets. We introduce a modification of this technique in the presence of myxomatous leaflets.

Mitral valve repair and aortic valve replacement with sutureless prosthesis implantation through a right minithoracotomy.

Little experience exists in minimally invasive treatment of double-valve disease. In this report, we present a minimally invasive approach for mitral and aortic valve disease through a minithoracotomy in the 3rd intercostal space with a sutureless aortic prosthesis implantation.

Minimally invasive approach for aortic and mitral valve surgery.

Few experiences exist in minimally invasive cardiac surgery for the treatment of double-valve disease. We report our early experience in 69 patients, describing postoperative results. The introduction of sutureless aortic prostheses has implemented this treatment option, with a significant reduction of cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamp times.

Perceval S Valve Solution for Degenerated Freestyle Root in the Presence of Chronic Aortic Dissection.

Aortic root replacement with porcine xenograft is a valuable treatment option in acute aortic dissection, but conduits are often prone to degeneration. Reoperation is still associated with high operative mortality, and it usually requires root removal and repetition of the Bentall procedure, or a less radical option limited to valve replacement. We describe two cases of Freestyle root degeneration in patients with chronic aortic dissection, in whom we performed a valve-in-valve procedure with the Perceval S prosthesis (Sorin Group, Saluggia, Italy).

Mitral valve repair and aortic valve replacement with sutureless prosthesis implantation through a right minithoracotomy.

Little experience exists in minimally invasive treatment of double-valve disease. In this report, we present a minimally invasive approach for mitral and aortic valve disease through a minithoracotomy in the 3rd intercostal space with a sutureless aortic prosthesis implantation.

Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement with a sutureless valve through a right anterior mini-thoracotomy versus transcatheter aortic valve implantation in high-risk patients.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare early outcomes and mid-term survival of high-risk patients undergoing minimally invasive aortic valve replacement through right anterior mini-thoracotomy (RT) with sutureless valves versus patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for severe aortic stenosis. METHODS: From October 2008 to March 2013, 269 patients with severe aortic stenosis underwent either RT with perceval S sutureless valves (n = 178 patients, 66.2%) or TAVI (n = 91, 33.8%: 44 transapical and 47 trans-femoral). Of these, 37 patients undergoing RT with the perceval S valve were matched to a TAVI group by the propensity score. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups (mean age 79 ± 6 years) and the median logistic EuroSCORE was 14% (range 9-20%). In the matched group, the in-hospital mortality rate was 8.1% (n = 3) in the TAVI group and 0% in the RT group (P = 0.25). The incidence rate of stroke was 5.4% (n = 2) versus 0% in the TAVI and RT groups (P = 0.3). In the TAVI group, 37.8% (n = 14) had mild paravalvular leakage (PVL) and 27% (n = 10) had moderate PVL, whereas 2.7% (n = 1) had mild PVL in the RT group (P < 0.001). One- and 2-year survival rates were 91.6 vs 78.6% and 91.6 vs 66.2% in patients undergoing RT with the perceval S sutureless valve compared with those undergoing TAVI, respectively (P = 0.1). CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement with perceval S sutureless valves through an RT is associated with a trend of better early outcomes and mid-term survival compared with TAVI.

International Expert Consensus on Sutureless and Rapid Deployment Valves in Aortic Valve Replacement Using Minimally Invasive Approaches.

OBJECTIVE: To define the benefit of sutureless and rapid deployment valves in current minimally invasive approaches in isolated aortic valve replacement. METHODS: A panel of 28 international experts with expertise in both minimally invasive aortic valve replacement and rapid deployment valves was constituted. After thorough literature review, the experts rated evidence-based recommendations in a modified Delphi approach. RESULTS: No guideline could be retrieved. Thirty-three clinical trials and 9 systematic reviews could be identified for detailed text analysis to obtain a total of 24 recommendations. After rating by the experts 12, final recommendations were identified: preoperative computed tomographic scan as well as intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography are highly recommended. Suitable annular sizes are 19 to 27 mm. There is a contraindication for bicuspid valves only for type 0 and for annular abscess or destruction due to infective endocarditis. The use of sutureless and rapid deployment valves reduces extracorporeal circulation and aortic cross-clamp time and leads to less early complications as prolonged ventilation, blood transfusion, atrial fibrillation, pleural effusions, paravalvular leakages and aortic regurgitation, and renal replacement therapy, respectively. These clinical outcomes result in reduced intensive care unit and hospital stay and reduced costs. The use of sutureless and rapid deployment valves will lead to a higher adoption rate of minimally invasive approaches in aortic valve replacement. Respect should be taken to a necessary short learning curve for both sutureless and minimally invasive programs. CONCLUSIONS: Sutureless and rapid deployment aortic valve replacement together with minimally invasive approaches offers an attractive option in aortic valve placement for patients requiring biological valve replacement.

Sutureless, rapid deployment valves and stented bioprosthesis in aortic valve replacement: recommendations of an International Expert Consensus Panel.

OBJECTIVES: After a panel process, recommendations on the use of sutureless and rapid deployment valves in aortic valve replacement were given with special respect as an alternative to stented valves. METHODS: Thirty-one international experts in both sutureless, rapid deployment valves and stented bioprostheses constituted the panel. After a thorough literature review, evidence-based recommendations were rated in a three-step modified Delphi approach by the experts. RESULTS: Literature research could identify 67 clinical trials, 4 guidelines and 10 systematic reviews for detailed text analysis to obtain a total of 28 recommendations. After rating by the experts, 12 recommendations were identified and degree of consensus for each was determined. Proctoring and education are necessary for the introduction of sutureless valves on an institutional basis as well as for the individual training of surgeons. Sutureless and rapid deployment should be considered as the valve prosthesis of first choice for isolated procedures in patients with comorbidities, old age, delicate aortic wall conditions such as calcified root, porcelain aorta or prior implantation of aortic homograft and stentless valves as well as for concomitant procedures and small aortic roots to reduce cross-clamp time. Intraoperative transoesophageal echocardiography is highly recommended, and in case of right anterior thoracotomy, preoperative computer tomography is strongly recommended. Suitable annular sizes are 19-27 mm. There is a contraindication for bicuspid valves only for Type 0 and for annular abscess or destruction due to infective endocarditis. Careful but complete decalcification of the aortic root is recommended to avoid paravalvular leakage; extensive decalcification should be avoided not to create annular defects. Proximal anastomoses of concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting should be placed during a single aortic cross-clamp period or alternatively with careful side clamping. Available evidence suggests that the use of sutureless and rapid deployment valve is associated with (can translate into) reduced early complications such as prolonged ventilation, blood transfusion, atrial fibrillation, pleural effusions and renal replacement therapy, respectively, and may result in reduced intensive care unit and hospital stay in comparison with traditional valves. CONCLUSION: The international experts recommend various benefits of sutureless and rapid deployment technology, which may represent a helpful tool in aortic valve replacement for patients requiring a biological valve. However, further evidence will be needed to reaffirm the benefit of sutureless and rapid deployment valves.

Minimally invasive aortic valve surgery: state of the art and future directions.

Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (MIAVR) is defined as an aortic valve replacement (AVR) procedure that involves a small chest wall incision as opposed to conventional full sternotomy (FS). The MIAVR approach is increasingly being used with the aim of reducing the "invasiveness" of the surgical procedure, while maintaining the same efficacy, quality and safety of a conventional approach. The most common MIAVR techniques are ministernotomy (MS) and right anterior minithoracotomy (RT) approaches. Compared with conventional surgery, MIAVR has been shown to reduce postoperative mortality and morbidity, providing faster recovery, shorter hospital stay and better cosmetics results, requires less rehabilitations resources and consequently cost reduction. Despite these advantages, MIAVR is limited by the longer cross-clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) times, which have raised some concerns in fragile and high risk patients. However, with the introduction of sutureless and fast deployment valves, operative times have dramatically reduced by 35-40%, standardizing this procedure. According to these results, the MIAVR approach using sutureless valves may be the "real alternative" to the transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) procedures in high risk patients "operable" patients. Prospective randomized trials are required to confirm this hypothesis.