Expanding surgical options using minimally invasive techniques for cardio-aortic and aortic procedures.

In an effort to minimize the morbidity and mortality of open cardio-aortic and aortic operations, which are ranked among the most extensive procedures, surgeons are attempting to use smaller minimal-access incisions, less-invasive open procedures, or more distal access sites to place aortic stented grafts by intraluminal closed methods. We review the latest trends in this rapidly evolving new field of minimally invasive surgery.