Mitral Valve Repair or Replacement

The mitral valve is one of the heart’s four valves, responsible for ensuring blood flows smoothly from the left atrium to the left ventricle. When this valve becomes damaged or diseased, it can lead to mitral valve regurgitation (where blood leaks backward into the atrium) or mitral stenosis (narrowing of the valve), both of which can significantly impair heart function.

At Kurnool Cardiac Center, under the expert care of Dr. Nagendra Prasad Thota, we specialize in treating mitral valve conditions with advanced techniques in mitral valve repair and mitral valve replacement. These procedures help restore normal blood flow, improve heart function, and enhance your quality of life.

What is Mitral Valve Repair or Replacement?

Mitral valve surgery is typically recommended for patients who experience severe symptoms or complications due to mitral valve disease. The two primary surgical approaches are:

Mitral Valve Repair

• Mitral valve repair involves fixing the existing valve to restore its normal function. Surgeons may remove excess tissue, tighten or reposition the valve, or repair damaged chordae (the fibrous cords that help hold the valve in place) to prevent blood leakage.
• The goal of repair is to maintain the patient’s natural valve, as this has a lower risk of complications and may last longer than a replacement valve.
• In cases where the valve is too damaged to be repaired, mitral valve replacement may be required. This involves removing the damaged valve and replacing it with an artificial one. There are two main types of replacement valves:
  • Mechanical valves: Made from durable materials like titanium or carbon, these valves require lifelong blood thinners to prevent blood clots.
  • Biological valves: Made from animal tissue or donated human tissue, biological valves tend to wear out over time but do not require blood thinners for long-term use.

Both procedures are performed with the goal of improving blood flow, reducing symptoms such as fatigue and shortness of breath, and preventing more serious complications like heart failure or stroke.

Why is Mitral Valve Surgery Performed?

Mitral valve surgery is typically recommended for individuals who suffer from the following conditions:

• Mitral Valve Regurgitation: When the mitral valve doesn’t close tightly, allowing blood to leak backward into the atrium, leading to decreased cardiac efficiency and symptoms like fatigue, palpitations, and shortness of breath.
• Mitral Valve Stenosis: When the mitral valve becomes narrowed or stiff, obstructing blood flow and potentially leading to symptoms such as difficulty breathing, fatigue, and swelling in the legs or abdomen.
• Infective Endocarditis: A bacterial infection that affects the valve and may cause damage that requires surgical intervention.
• Heart Failure: When a damaged mitral valve is contributing to heart failure, surgery is often needed to restore proper heart function.

How is Mitral Valve Repair or Replacement Performed?

The surgical procedure for mitral valve repair or replacement typically involves the following steps:

• Anesthesia: The patient is placed under general anesthesia to ensure they are comfortable and pain-free during the surgery.
• Incision: A large incision is made down the middle of the chest, and the breastbone is separated to access the heart.
• Heart-Lung Machine: The heart is temporarily stopped, and a heart-lung machine is used to take over the pumping of blood and oxygen throughout the body during the surgery.
• Repair or Replacement:
  • If repair is possible, the surgeon will fix the valve by reshaping, removing excess tissue, or tightening the chords.
  • If the valve is beyond repair, the surgeon will remove it and replace it with a mechanical or biological valve.
• Closing the Incision: Once the valve is repaired or replaced, the chest is closed with stitches, and the heart is restarted. The patient is carefully monitored during the recovery process.

In some cases, minimally invasive surgery or robotic-assisted surgery may be used, involving smaller incisions, less pain, and quicker recovery times.

Benefits of Mitral Valve Repair or Replacement

Mitral valve surgery offers several critical benefits:

• Restores Heart Function: Both repair and replacement restore normal blood flow, improving heart function and reducing the risk of complications.
• Relieves Symptoms: Surgery can significantly reduce or eliminate symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and palpitations, helping patients feel better and more energetic.
• Prevents Complications: Timely surgery can prevent serious complications like heart failure, stroke, or pulmonary hypertension.
• Improves Quality of Life: By correcting the valve problem, patients can return to a more active and fulfilling lifestyle with improved physical stamina.

Potential Risks and Complications

As with any major surgery, mitral valve surgery comes with some risks, including:

• Infection: There is a risk of infection at the surgical site or inside the heart.
• Blood Clots: After surgery, blood clots can form and potentially travel to the brain or lungs, causing serious complications like stroke or pulmonary embolism.
• Bleeding: Some patients may experience excessive bleeding during or after surgery.
• Arrhythmias: The heart may develop irregular rhythms after surgery, which can be managed with medications or procedures if needed.
• Valve Dysfunction: In rare cases, the new valve may not function as expected and may require further intervention.

At Kurnool Cardiac Center, we take all necessary precautions to minimize these risks, using advanced techniques and state-of-the-art equipment to ensure the safest possible outcomes.

Post-Procedure Care

After mitral valve repair or replacement, the patient is typically monitored in the intensive care unit (ICU) for the first few days. Recovery generally includes:

• Pain Management: Pain is managed with medication to ensure comfort during the recovery process.
• Monitoring: Heart function is closely monitored, and any complications are addressed promptly.
• Physical Therapy: Light physical activity and breathing exercises are encouraged to help restore strength and prevent complications.
• Medications: Patients may be prescribed medications, including blood thinners, depending on the type of valve used and their overall health.
• Follow-Up Care: Regular follow-up appointments are essential to ensure proper healing and monitor heart function.

Why Choose Kurnool Cardiac Center for Mitral Valve Surgery?

At Kurnool Cardiac Center, we provide expert care for mitral valve repair and mitral valve replacement, guided by the experienced hands of Dr. Nagendra Prasad Thota. Here’s why you should choose us:

• Expert Surgeons: Dr. Thota’s experience in treating heart valve disorders ensures that you receive the highest level of care.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: We use advanced surgical techniques and the latest medical technology to ensure the best outcomes.
• Personalized Treatment: Each patient’s condition is carefully assessed, and we provide tailored treatment plans based on individual needs.
• Comprehensive Care: From diagnosis to surgery and post-operative care, we offer a complete spectrum of services for your heart health.