Comparison of Anterolateral Minithoracotomy Versus Partial Upper Hemisternotomy in Aortic Valve Replacement.

Background: In aortic valve replacement, a comparison between the anterolateral minithoracotomy and the partial upper hemisternotomy approach has not been reported to date.

Methods: From 2006 to 2012, isolated aortic valve replacement was performed in 1,118 consecutive patients. Aortic valve replacement was performed through a anterolateral minithoracotomy in 166 patients (14.