I m needing to have surgery as I have severe aortic stenosis. I have chosen to receive a biological (pig) valve rather than artificial because I do not want to live with the requirements of blood thinners and testing the rest of my life. I am concerned about having open heart surgery, opening my chest, stopping my heart, putting me on heart lung machine. I am fairly healthy & 64 years old and this is the only option I was offered by way of surgery. I am hopeful that if I ever need to replace the bio valve in the future, I will be able to have a less invasive surgery. I am told no other surgery is recommended for me at this time. I guess Im looking for reassurance on the procedure, and that there is no other procedure for me. Thanks! Sharon