Exploring the learning curve for minimally invasive sutureless aortic valve replacement

Early single institution experience with minimally invasive sutureless aortic valve replacement was reported.  Among 300 patients, surgeon-specific and institution-specific learning curves were evaluated for technical success and 30-day complications.  A cluster of complications occurred early in the experience and then standardized.  No significant learning curve was identified for technical success, although 3 of 6 surgeons exhibited a brief initial learning curve for this metric.