ObjectiveTo analyze the safety and effectiveness of minimally invasive small incision through the right third intercostal and standard aortic valve replacement.MethodsThe clinical data of 123 patients with the first simple aortic valve replacement in our hospital from June 2013 to May 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients receiving aortic valve replacement through the right third intercostal small incision were allocated to a minimally invasive group, and patients receiving aortic valve replacement through the median sternal incision were allocated to a common group. The clinical outcomes of the two groups were compared.ResultsThere were 40 patients in the minimally invasive group, including 11 (27.5%) females and 29 (72.5%) males, aged 54.60±9.98 years with the body mass index (BMI) of 23.16±2.48 kg/m2. There were 83 patients in the common group, including 27 (32.5%) females, 56 (67.5%) males, aged 58.77±9.71 years, with the BMI of 24.13±3.13 kg/m2. Compared with the common group, the aortic cross-clamping time, cardiopulmonary bypass time, and operation time were longer (P<0.05), the ventilator support time was shorter (P<0.05), and the blood loss, postoperative 24 h chest drainage volume and total expense were less (P<0.05) in the minimally invasive group. The ICU stay, postoperative hospital stay, and total hospital stay were not statistically different between the two groups (P>0.05).ConclusionThe aortic valve replacement through the right third intercostal small incision is safe and effective, with less blood loss, 24 h chest drainage volume and invasiveness.