Objectives: Here we aim to describe in detail the logical procedure and philosophical approach to establish a minimally access aortic valve replacement programme in the current era.
Methods: A real example of a National Health Service Trust in the United Kingdom has been described in a step-wise manner.
Results: The outcomes of the new procedure established in this fashion are reported and the philosophical lessons learnt from the experiences are highlighted.
Conclusions: It is hoped that this paper will act as a template for newly established surgeons to embark onto a mini-AVR programme. An open-minded and enthusiastic team will undoubtedly be able to facilitate the introduction of this 'new service'. A sensible approach will provide safe and sustainable outcomes.
Keywords: Aortic valve; Minimally invasive; Programme; Replacement.
© The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.