Hello Davej, I was diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis in the fall of 2018 and had a TAVR on December 26, 2018. It was a very comfortable procedure. I did not have an incision in the sternum. The doctors approached my aorta through the groin on both sides. As the Dr. said, "It's a two-man operation." I was mildly sedated throughout the procedure then overnight in St. Mary's in Rochester, going home the next morning around 10 a.m. I have felt so much better. I had an echocardiogram just this past June 16 and the TAVR is working perfectly. Be sure to discuss the groin approach instead of open heart. All the best!