What is the preoperative diagnosis for the patient undergoing median sternotomy?

The preoperative diagnosis for a patient undergoing median sternotomy is often related to conditions that require direct access to the heart and surrounding structures. Aortic valve stenosis is a common indication for this type of surgery. In this condition, the aortic valve does not open fully, which can lead to decreased blood flow from the heart to the body, causing symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and eventually heart failure.

Median sternotomy allows surgeons to gain access to the thoracic cavity, enabling them to perform procedures such as valve replacement or repair, particularly for heart valves like the aortic valve. The other conditions mentioned, while potentially requiring surgical intervention, are less commonly associated with median sternotomy for the specific purpose of addressing valve issues. For instance, aortic valve insufficiency may also lead to surgical intervention, but the most frequent reason for a procedure directly involving median sternotomy often involves stenosis rather than insufficiency.

In summary, a diagnosis of aortic valve stenosis is often the basis for performing a median sternotomy due to the need for direct surgical intervention to alleviate the obstructive nature of this condition.