Mitral Valve Repair

What is mitral valve repair surgery?

Mitral valve repair surgery can involve plugging the holes in a valve, reconnecting the leaflets that open or close the valve, removing excess tissue, replacing the chordae that hold the valve together, and separating the valve leaflets that have clumped together.

Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery can be performed in different ways:

  1. Through a 5-7 cm incision on the right side of the chest, the muscles will be separated and a small cut will be made in the heart until the valve is reached.
  2. Through 1 to 4 holes in the chest of 1.5-2 cm each. The surgeon uses robotic arms to perform the surgery, assisted by a camera to have a three-dimensional view of the heart.
  3. Through an incision in the groin, accessing the inguinal artery through a catheter with a balloon at its extremity. It is used when the valve is obstructed, dilating the opening.
  4. Through an incision in the groin, using a catheter through the inguinal artery with a clamp at its extremity. It is used to close leaks.

Why is mitral valve repair performed?

The mitral valve is the one that manages the blood flow in the left upper chamber of the heart. It opens and closes according to the contractions of the heart muscle to ensure the normal circulation of blood through the body.

Surgery is needed with the occurrence of diseases such as:

  • Valve insufficiency: the valve does not close properly causing blood leakage back to the left side of the heart.
  • Mitral stenosis: The valves become stiff and can stick together, decreasing blood flow.
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What is mitral valve repair surgery?

Mitral valve repair surgery requires general anesthesia. In order to access the heart, the doctor must make an incision in the chest; its size will depend on the procedure chosen by the doctor. Depending on the diagnosis, the doctor will assess whether to patch the holes, reconnect the valves, remove excess valve tissue, or replace the chordae that hold the damaged valve in place to repair it.

Doctors may perform this operation either with the aid of a catheter or with staples or other devices.

If it is finally deemed that the valve cannot be repaired, they will proceed to replace it.

Preparing for mitral valve repair surgery

Prior to the operation, the doctor and the team will resolve all the patient’s doubts and explain the procedure to be followed during the surgery. They will also talk to the family member or companion about the hospital stay and the type of aids needed to be able to be discharged.

Once the procedure has been explained, the hair in the area where the procedure will be performed will be shaved.

Post-procedure care

Recovery usually includes a few days in the Intensive Care Unit. Full recovery usually takes several months, as the surgical incision must heal and the body must recover.

It is normal to feel tired and sore, especially during the first few weeks. The pain will affect the chest, back and shoulders. You will not be able to perform physically demanding activities until approximately 6 weeks after surgery.

It is important to take the medication prescribed by the doctor, eat heart-healthy foods, not smoke, and do rehabilitation to regain muscle movement and endurance (cardiac rehabilitation).