Minimally invasive heart valve surgery uses smaller incisions to repair or replace heart valves. This means there is less pain, a shorter stay in the hospital and a faster recovery.

Minimally invasive valve surgery can only be done in certain patients. This type of surgery cannot be done in patients who:

• Have severe valve damage
• Need more than one valve repaired or replaced
• Have clogged arteries (atherosclerosis)
• Are obese
• Have had previous heart surgeries