Mitral valve replacement is done when the mitral valve is not working well. The mitral valve is on the left side of the heart. It allows blood to flow from the left upper chamber (left atrium) into the left lower chamber (left ventricle). When the valve is not working well, it may need to be replaced.
Healthy heart valves permit one-way flow of blood. Diseased valves either leak, causing back flow, or narrow, restricting flow. In either case, the condition can be life-threatening. Sometimes the valve can be repaired. At other times it must be replaced.
Rheumatic fever , infections, and congenital defects are the most common causes of mitral valve problems.
If you are planning to have a mitral valve replacement, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
The demands of open heart surgery are severe. The better your general health, the less likely you will experience a complication. Some of the risk factors that must be evaluated before you undergo this procedure include:
Only half to three-quarters of all mitral valves can be fixed. You will be thoroughly evaluated. Your doctor will evaluate both your general health and the condition of your heart and circulation. Expect several heart tests, including an electrocardiogram (EKG) and an echocardiogram (using ultrasound).
Leading up to your procedure:
You will have a general anesthetic . You will be asleep.
An incision will be made the length of your breast bone. The breast bone will be split lengthwise to expose your heart. You will then be put on a heart-lung machine. This machine takes over the work of your heart so that the doctor can stop your heart.
Your heart will be opened. A substitute valve will be sewn into place. This valve may be mechanical (metal and plastic), such as a St. Jude valve, or made of tissue. Tissue valves most often come from a pig (porcine valve) or a cow (bovine valve). Tissue valves may also be supplied by a human donor or even manufactured from your own tissues. Once the valve is in place, you will be taken off of the heart-lung machine and your heart will be re-started. The incision will be closed.
Newer techniques, including robot-assisted procedures , are being developed. These procedures will be able to do the same surgery with smaller incisions.
You will be taken to a recovery room. There, you will be monitored for any negative reactions.
About 2-5 hours
Anesthesia will block pain during the surgery. Your chest and back will be sore following the surgery. Talk to your doctor about medicine to help manage pain.
The usual length of stay is 8-10 days. Your doctor may choose to keep you longer if complications arise.
You will probably spend 1-3 days in the intensive care unit (ICU) and a week in a regular hospital room. During this time, your care team will:
Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions, which may include:
Mechanical valves last a lifetime. Tissue valves last 7-14 years and then must be replaced. If your valve is repaired and you have no complications, you will likely do well and be able to return to normal activities.
After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:
In case of an emergency, CALL 911.
RESOURCES:
American Heart Association
http://www.americanheart.org/
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
http://www.sts.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
http://ww2.heartandstroke.ca/splash/
References:
The Cardiothoracic Surgery Network website. Available at: http://www.ctsnet.org/sections/clinicalresources/adultcardiac/riley.html. Accessed August 31, 2005.
Mitral valve disease. Cleveland Clinic website. Available at: http://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/medicalpubs/diseasemanagement/cardiology/mitral-valve-disease/. Accessed 8/31/05. Accessed August 31, 2005.
Mitral valve regurgitation. Mayo Clinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/. Accessed August 31, 2005.
Society of Thoracic Surgeons website. Available at: http://www.sts.org/doc/4107. Accessed August 31, 2005.
Last reviewed November 2009 by Craig Clark, DO, FACC, FAHA, FASE
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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