Replace Your Aortic Valve Without Breaking Your Breastbone.
Recover in Days, Not Months.
If you've been told you need an aortic valve replacement, you don't have to face a full sternotomy and a long recovery. Our minimally invasive ARTAVR approach replaces your valve through a small incision between the ribs — preserving your breastbone and getting you back to normal life faster.
Am I Suitable for Keyhole Aortic Valve Surgery?Average Recovery
Recover Quicker · Less Pain · Smaller Scars
As Featured In
Treating Aortic Stenosis With Keyhole Heart Surgery
Mr. Inder Birdi explains how patients with aortic valve disease are assessed for the minimally invasive ARTAVR approach.
Why Choose Keyhole Aortic Valve Replacement Over Traditional Open-Heart Surgery?
Traditional aortic valve replacement requires breaking the breastbone — leading to significant pain, a large scar and a recovery that can stretch into many months. At The Keyhole Heart Clinic, led by pioneering surgeon Mr. Inderpaul Birdi, we replace the aortic valve through a small incision between the ribs on the right side of the chest, leaving the breastbone fully intact.
- Breastbone broken (full sternotomy)
- 3–6 month return to full activities
- Long, prominent vertical scar
- Significant post-op pain & blood loss
- Higher stroke & wound-infection risk
- Limited options for elderly or re-do cases
- Right-rib mini-thoracotomy — breastbone preserved
- Most patients home in 3–5 days, driving in 2 weeks
- Small scar hidden beneath the right chest
- Minimal pain, less blood transfusion required
- Lower stroke risk, no risk of sternal infection
- Safer alternative for older patients & re-operations
Remarkable Stories From Our Patients
An aortic valve patient shares their experience of keyhole ARTAVR surgery with Mr. Birdi.
A patient enjoying a game of golf in the sunshine only 6 weeks after ARTAVR.
A keyhole aortic valve patient describes their recovery and life after surgery with Mr. Birdi.
Small incision, speedy recovery — this patient was performing judo throws just two months after surgery.
Your Journey to a Healthy Heart in 3 Simple Steps
We understand facing heart surgery is daunting. We've streamlined our process to make it as effortless and reassuring as possible — for you and your family.
Request a Callback
Fill out our simple form. Our team will call you to schedule a comprehensive assessment in London, Nottingham, or online.
Get Your Personalised Plan
If surgical treatment is appropriate, Mr. Birdi designs a customised keyhole surgery plan tailored to your specific anatomy.
Surgery & Rapid Recovery
Surgery is typically offered within two weeks of your assessment, so you can start your rapid recovery journey immediately.
"He saved my life — and I didn't have my breastbone broken."
"Mr. Birdi was absolutely thorough, professional and efficient. What I appreciated was his frankness yet empathetic manner. Within days of our meeting, I was far better informed and reassured than I had been after months with the NHS."
L.R.
Verified Patient
"He saved my life. After my aortic valve replacement I felt looked after every single step of the way. Mr. Birdi explained every option clearly and gave me confidence I was in the very best hands."
Aortic Valve Patient
Verified Patient
"I had a keyhole aortic valve replacement performed by Mr. Birdi. The recovery was nothing like I expected — I was up and walking the next day and home within the week. A truly remarkable surgeon and a remarkable team."
M. Clarke
Verified Patient
"From the first consultation to my follow-ups, Mr. Birdi treated me with such kindness and professionalism. The keyhole approach meant I avoided the long, painful recovery I'd been dreading. I cannot recommend him highly enough."
Gary D.
Verified Patient
"I was told I needed an aortic valve replacement and was terrified. Mr. Birdi calmly explained the keyhole option, answered every question and put my family at ease. Two weeks after surgery I was back walking my dog."
Verified Patient
Verified Patient
"An exceptional surgeon. The fact that I didn't have my breastbone broken made an enormous difference to my recovery and my confidence. I felt like myself again far sooner than I'd been led to believe was possible."
J.W.
Verified Patient
"I had my aortic valve replaced through a small incision between the ribs and was astonished at how quick the recovery was. Six weeks later I was back on the golf course. Mr. Birdi and his team are simply outstanding."
P.H.
Verified Patient
"After being told I'd need a sternotomy elsewhere, I sought a second opinion from Mr. Birdi. He offered me ARTAVR and I haven't looked back. Driving in two weeks, walking miles in four. Truly remarkable surgery and care."
Aortic Valve Patient
Verified Patient
"The whole experience exceeded my expectations. The keyhole aortic valve replacement was performed with exceptional skill and the recovery was so much easier than I'd been warned to expect. I felt safe at every step."
C.B.
Verified Patient
"Mr. Birdi gave me my life back. Two months after my keyhole aortic valve replacement I was completely back to normal — swimming, gardening and travelling. None of which I thought possible at my age."
Verified Patient
Verified Patient
"What struck me was how much time Mr. Birdi spent explaining the ARTAVR approach and reassuring my family. The operation went perfectly and the small scar on my right side is barely visible. I cannot recommend him enough."
R.G.
Verified Patient
"I'm 74 and was offered TAVI but after meeting Mr. Birdi we agreed keyhole surgical AVR was the right choice for me. The recovery was incredible — home in 4 days, walking comfortably within a week. Best decision I've made."
B.S.
Verified Patient
Everything You Need to Know About Keyhole Aortic Valve Replacement
Ready to take the next step toward a faster recovery?
Don't wait months on a waiting list only to undergo a more invasive procedure. We work with ALL private insurers and offer self-pay services. Fill out our online form and a member of our team will call you back promptly.
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