Mitral valve replacement

Mitral valve replacement is a cardiac surgery procedure in which a patient's diseased mitral valve is replaced by either a mechanical or bioprosthetic valve. Mitral valve replacement is performed when the valve becomes too tight (mitral valve stenosis) for blood to flow into the left ventricle, or too loose (mitral valve regurgitation) in which case blood can leak back into the left atrium and thereby back into the lung.

Indications

Mitral valve replacement is typically performed for the following reasons:

• Mitral valve stenosis
• Mitral valve regurgitation
• Mitral valve prolapse with severe regurgitation
• Infective endocarditis with severe valve damage

Procedure

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision down the middle of the chest and then through the breastbone. The patient's heart is then connected to a heart-lung machine, which takes over the pumping action of the heart. The surgeon then removes the diseased valve and replaces it with a new one.

Risks

As with any surgery, there are risks involved. These can include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Blood clots
• Valve dysfunction
• Arrhythmias
• Stroke

Recovery

Recovery from mitral valve replacement surgery typically involves a few days in the hospital, and several weeks to months of recovery at home. It is important for patients to follow their doctor's instructions for care and activity during this time.

See also

• Cardiac surgery
• Mitral valve repair
• Heart valve

References

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Mitral valve replacement

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  Vortex formation in the left heart