The human heart comprises four valves that have a role in maintaining unidirectional blood flow. The mitral valve is there for the inflow of oxygen-rich blood to the left ventricle from the left atrium. However, in patients with valve disease, mitral valve regurgitation (leakage) or stenosis (narrowing) can occur, which restricts the oxygen-rich blood supply to the different body tissues. This problem can be addressed by mitral valve repair surgery. A renowned cardiac surgeon for Mitral Valve Repair in Delhi, answers the most common questions about mitral valve repair surgery in this blog.

Read further and learn the full details of the surgery to end up with an informed decision.

1. What is mitral valve repair surgery?

Mitral valve repair surgery is a cardiac operation to fix a narrowed or leaky mitral valve and restore normal and efficient valve and heart functioning. The repair of a damaged mitral valve can be done via open heart or minimally invasive (robotic or endoscopic) technique.

In case of mitral valve regurgitation or leaflet prolapse, the surgeon removes the leaflet portion, sutures the leaflet edges together, and places artificial cords to support the valve. For mitral valve stenosis or annular dilation, the surgeon sews an annuloplasty band around the valve to tighten it and avoid its leakage. In some cases, the surgeon makes use of suture, patches, or other specialized techniques to reconstruct a normally functioning mitral valve.

2. Why is mitral valve repair surgery preferred over mitral valve replacement?

Mitral valve repair is favored when feasible, as it has many advantages. It preserves the existing natural valve; avoids serious, long-term complications; improves overall heart health and performance; does not require the patient to take anticoagulants for a lifetime; lowers the revision surgery rate; and provides better survival rates.

But if the mitral valve damage is severe, beyond repair, the damaged mitral valve replacement is the only viable option.

3. How long is the mitral valve repair surgery?

As per a popular Heart Surgery Doctor in India, mitral valve repair surgery takes several hours. The overall duration of the operation depends on the type and complexity of the mitral valve problem and whether there are concurrent procedures being executed.

4. How long can a patient survive after mitral valve repair surgery?

Mitral valve repair is a more durable approach to treating mitral valve regurgitation or stenosis than mitral valve replacement. The patient can live for 1-2 decades or even more without further intervention. But, follow-up appointments and maintenance of heart health are a must to allow proper functioning of the mitral valve.

5. What are the risks and complications of undergoing mitral valve repair surgery?

Mitral valve repair surgery is generally a low-risk operation when compared with mitral valve replacement. The common risks are bleeding, infection, and blood clots. Other potential complications are discussed in detail during consultation with the cardiac surgeon.

6. What preparation is required for mitral valve repair surgery?

For a patient considering mitral valve repair surgery, the first step is a detailed consultation with the cardiac surgeon. Some pre-operative evaluation tests will be ordered, like blood tests and echocardiograms. 

Additional instructions will be provided by the surgeon regarding lifestyle/dietary modifications as well as medication adjustments so that the patient’s body is ready for anaesthesia and surgery.

Original Source:- https://blogsgod.com/8-faqs-on-mitral-valve-repair-surgery-best-cardiac-surgeon-delhi/