Questions about the minimally invasive procedure

  : I need valve replacment surgery and was told that I am a candidate for the minimally invasive procedure. Can anyone tell me the major differences between it and the standard open heart operation? Also, what risks are invovled with the minimally inv. surgery? How much shorter is the recovery time? And has anyone had any problems after the surgery? Any info would be greatly appreciated.
  

[CCF CARDIO MD APS]

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Dear Denise,
Thank you for using the Heart Forum and for sharing such good advice with Michael L.; as for the recovery time, see my answer to Michael, as it is most likely only 4weeks with minimally invasive and most likely 6 weeks with the conventional approach. Good Luck on your surgery, you are definitely going with the best there is available for valve repair/replacement.