What is Mitral Valve Repair and Mitral Valve Replacement used for?
Mitral valve repair and mitral valve replacement are surgical procedures performed to fix or replace a leaking or stiff mitral valve in the heart. These procedures may be done as open-heart surgery, minimally invasive heart surgery, or catheter-based procedures, depending on the severity of the mitral valve disease and whether it is getting worse. Mitral valve repair or replacement may be recommended for patients with mitral valve regurgitation or mitral valve stenosis. Medications may be prescribed to manage symptoms, and regular checkups may be suggested to monitor heart health.
How are Mitral Valve Repair and Mitral Valve Replacement results reported?
After mitral valve repair or replacement surgery, the results are typically reported in terms of the improvement in symptoms and quality of life. The surgery aims to repair or replace the leaky or stiff mitral valve in the heart to reduce symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and palpitations. The success of the surgery is measured by the reduction or elimination of these symptoms and the improvement in the patient's overall quality of life.
In some cases, the surgery may also involve the use of mechanical valves or biological tissue valves, which may have different risks and benefits. For instance, mechanical valves require lifelong blood thinners to prevent blood clots, while biological tissue valves may degenerate over time and need replacement. The specific outcomes and risks of the surgery will depend on the individual case and the type of valve used.
Your healthcare provider will discuss the results of the surgery with you and outline any necessary follow-up care, including medications, lifestyle changes, and monitoring for potential complications.