Things You Should Know About Mitral Valve Repair And Replacement

Mitral valve is the valve located between the left heart chambers- left atrium and left ventricle. To treat diseases of the mitral valve, mitral valve repair and mitral valve replacement are procedures that may be performed. Different types of mitral valve disease exist:

1.      The flaps (leaflets) of the mitral valve don't close tightly in mitral valve regurgitation, causing blood to leak backward into the left atrium, which commonly occurs due to valve leaflets bulging back — a condition called mitral valve prolapse.

2.      The leaflets become thick or stiff in another condition called mitral valve stenosis, and they may fuse together, which results in a narrowed valve opening and reduced blood flow through the valve.

Mitral valve disease treatment depends on the severity of one’s condition. Doctors may recommend surgery to repair or replace mitral valves for some individuals with the disease. Open-heart surgery or minimally invasive heart surgeries are some of the surgical procedures that exist to repair or replace the mitral valves.

Risks:

Bleeding, blood clots, infection, heart rhythm problems, stroke, valve dysfunction in replacement valves and death are some of the mitral valve repair and replacement surgery risks.

Preparation:     

Your doctor and treatment team will explain to you what to expect before, during and after the surgery, and potential risks of the surgery. They’ll discuss concerns you may have about your repair or replacement surgery. The procedure will necessitate for you to shave hair off at the location of your body where the procedure will take place. Do talk to your family about your hospital stay and discuss help you may need when you return home before being admitted to the hospital for your surgery. You’ll need to follow specific instructions in terms of food and medications, clothing and personal items, precautions regarding medications and allergies, etc. given by your doctor and treatment team during your recovery when you return home.

Mitral Valve Repair- Mitral valve repair surgery may involve patching holes in a valve, reconnecting valve leaflets, removing excess valve tissue so that the leaflets can close tightly, replacing cords that support the valve to repair the structural support, and separating valve leaflets that have fused. Surgeons may tighten or reinforce the ring around the valve (annulus) in a procedure called an annuloplasty, too.

Mitral Valve Replacement- Your doctor may recommend replacement if your mitral valve can’t be repaired wherein your doctor removes the valve and replaces it with a mechanical valve. You’ll need to take blood-thinning medications for the rest of your life to prevent clots if you have a mechanical valve. You aren’t required to worry as doctors will discuss with you the risks and benefits of each type of valve and discuss which valve may be appropriate for you.

Results:

You may be able to return to daily activities, such as working, driving and exercise after mitral valve repair or replacement surgery. Your healthcare provider will discuss with you when you can return to activities, but you'll generally still need to take certain medications. Moreover, you’ll need to attend regular follow-up appointments, and you may have several tests to evaluate and monitor your condition.

CPR Louisville offers CPR courses for both healthcare and non-healthcare providers. Either register online, or call on 502-804-6132 to sign up for a course at CPR Louisville.