Mitral Valve Repair
Mitral valve repair is a surgical procedure to address heart valve problems and help restore normal blood flow through the heart to the rest of the body. This procedure aims to fix the mitral valve between the left atria and the left ventricle so that it can close properly and stop blood from leaking backwards. Our multidisciplinary heart care team at Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgical Institute of Texas works closely with patients to help them understand their treatment options and help them get the support they need while under our care.
What Is a Mitral Valve?
The heart has four valves to help the blood flow in the right direction. Healthy valves open and close correctly so blood does not flow backward between chambers. The mitral valve is one of the heart’s four valves, ensuring blood flows from the left atrium to the right ventricle.
The mitral valve is between the heart’s left atrium (upper-left chamber) and the left ventricle (lower-left chamber). It is made up of two leaflets, which are strong tissue flaps that open and close with every heartbeat. A diseased mitral valve does not close properly, causing some blood to leak backwards. When this happens, the heart must work harder to pump enough blood into the rest of the body. Conditions affecting the mitral valve include:
- Mitral Valve Prolapse – the mitral valve’s leaflets do not properly close
- Mitral Valve Regurgitation (MR) – the blood leaks backward through the mitral valve when the left ventricle contracts
- Mitral Valve Stenosis – the narrowing of the mitral valve, which functions to prevent blood from leaking back into the heart’s left atrium during ejection
- Double-Orifice Mitral Valve – structural defect in the mitral valve resulting in more than one opening
What Are the Symptoms of Mitral Valve Problems? A mitral valve problem may only show symptoms when it has gotten worse. These symptoms include:
- Chest pain
- Fainting
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Heart murmur
- Shortness of breath
Life-threatening complications from severe mitral valve conditions include:
- Arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm)
- Blood clots
- Fluid buildup in the lungs
- Heart failure
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Stroke
- Sudden cardiac death
Why Is Mitral Valve Repair Done?
When medications are not enough to ease symptoms from a mitral valve condition, mitral valve surgery may be done. This procedure aims to help restore normal blood flow through the heart while preserving the patient’s valve and leaflets. Repairs can be minor or extensive, depending on the valve damage. Repair is most often possible for mitral valve regurgitation. However, valve replacement may be recommended if a patient’s valve is too damaged to be repaired.
Valvuloplasty is a mitral valve repair treatment option. This minimally invasive procedure uses a catheter (thin, flexible tube) and an expandable balloon to reach a diseased heart valve through an artery or vein. Valvuloplasty is also known as:
- Balloon valvuloplasty
- Balloon valvotomy
- Percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty
Who Is a Candidate for Mitral Valve Repair?
Mitral valve repair surgery is typically recommended for individuals with severe MR. This includes both primary MR, where the issue lies directly with the valve, and secondary MR, resulting from changes in the heart's left ventricle. The surgery is considered particularly beneficial for those whose left ventricular function is still relatively good, as it helps maintain heart efficiency and prevent further damage.
Ideal candidates for this surgery are those who have no severe comorbidities that could reduce the success of the procedure. Those who have not responded well to previous treatments or had unsuccessful earlier repairs may also be considered for mitral valve repair. Before surgery, a detailed risk assessment is conducted to evaluate the patient's overall heart health and the severity of MR. This assessment often involves tools like the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) risk score to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the surgery for the patient.
What Are the Advantages of Mitral Valve Repair?
Mitral valve repair offers several advantages, including preserving the patient's original valve, which leads to better long-term heart function and fewer complications compared to valve replacement. This procedure can help restore normal heart function and significantly extend life expectancy to similar levels of people of the same age and gender who do not have heart p Repairing the valve early can help minimize operative risks and prevent severe deterioration of heart function.
Your Heart Is in Good Hands
Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgical Institute of Texas is your heart and vascular care destination in San Antonio, TX. We are committed to helping you fully understand your health conditions and the mitral valve repair and replacement options. Our goal is to empower you to make informed decisions about your treatment, ensuring you receive the care that suits your specific needs.
Find a Doctor
Please call 210-798-4311 to schedule an appointment with a cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon.