Has anyone had a miminumly invasive aortic valve replacement surgery done? Its done via two small incisions instead of cracking the chest open. The regular aortic valve replacement takes months sometimes 4 or more to get back up to speed. Tavir is the future but is restricted to people that two doctors declare you are too unheathy to survive a regular operation.

Dad is being offered this miminumly invasive aortic valve replacement, sounds like a great alternative, and said to have much quicker recovery. His Dr has done over 1500 and claims great results w/o any serious problems.Wondering what to expect as far as what the family needs to provide. Hes pretty independent and doesn't think he will need any body around to help him.

If you did have the miminumly invasive aortic valve replacement ,.Do you remember how long it took before you could do much?

Sending positive thoughts your dad's way.

My electrician had a similar procedure to replace one of his valves last October. Within 3 weeks he was back to work on light duty status & by the mid December he was able to do pretty much anything.

My mother had a conventional aortic valve replacement (chest cracking) and her recovery was relatively fast. Keep in mind that if your father put it off as long as possible, he's been feeling weak due to restricted flow for a while. Immediately after the surgery, he's going to feel better from the extra blood flow.