Clinical Research Directory

Inclusion Criteria: * Age \>= 50 years * Documented symptomatic moderate or greater aortic stenosis or severe insufficiency * Aortic annulus \> 19 mm * Written informed consent of the patient. Exclusion Criteria: * Concomitant intervention of the aortic root * Concomitant intervention of the aortic arch * Concomitant valve surgery * Emergency surgery for any reason * Neurological events (i.e. stroke, TIA) within 6 months preoperatively * Coagulation disorders (including thrombocytopenia \< 100.000/ml) * Porcelain aorta * Active endocarditis or other active systemic infections * Participating in another trial that may influence the outcome of this trial * Pregnancy * Dual antiplatelet therapy * Previous cardiac surgery (excluding percutaneous procedures)