Why You May Need Mitral Valve Repair Surgery

by

Jordan Rocksmith

There are a number of difficult experiences that a person can face throughout their lifetime. Among the worst and most difficult are heart problems. The heart is one of the most vital organs we have, one that keeps us alive every second that it works correctly. Unfortunately, like any other part of the human body, the heart is also vulnerable. Like a sore muscle or a twisted ankle, the heart can become injured and be unable to function correctly. When these situations arise for you or your loved one, it may seem like a problem with no solution. Thankfully, though, there is a solution for a specific type of common heart problem. Minimally invasive mitral valve repair surgery can help you or a loved one return a damaged mitral valve to normal.

But what does all of this mean? What is a mitral valve and how can it go wrong? At the same time, when something does go wrong with this body part, how can something possibly be done to fix it without leaving a person disabled or bedridden with long, expensive hospital stays and several weeks without being able to work? This will all be covered below.

The mitral valve is a valve inside the heart that acts as a natural door or gate. It allows blood to flow from one compartment to another, and then stops the flow when necessary. It is specifically located on the left side of the heart and it allows blood to flow from the left atrium into the left ventricle. This means that blood that has flown to the lungs to fill up with oxygen will return to the heart via the pulmonary veins. This blood will enter the left atrium. The mitral valve waits until this atrium is filled and then allows it to enter the left ventricle of the heart, a chamber from which blood is pumped throughout the body. This provides oxygen and other nutrients to every part of the body. The mitral valve has to remain tightly closed so that blood does not flow backward toward the lungs. This can cause lungs to fill with blood. The mitral valve consists of two cusps, the flaps that open and close. As you can see, this vital body part helps control the blood flow that keeps the human body alive.

Some people can be born with mitral valve problems. Other people may develop issues with this body part as they age. For some people, experiencing rheumatic fever or becoming infected with endocarditis, a dangerous bacteria, can lead to mitral valve issues. Heart failure will also damage the mitral valve.

The most common problem with mitral valves is regurgitation of blood. Blood will leak between the valve flaps and either flow inward or out of the heart and back toward the lungs. Common early symptoms of a mitral valve problem include shortness of breath, decreased endurance during exercise, swelling of the hands and feet, and chest pain.

If a doctor decides that you or a loved one needs surgery to repair your mitral valve, there are a number of options. Some procedures require sawing open a person’s ribcage and operating directly on an exposed heart. One specific option, though, may be the most appealing to you.

In the minimally invasive method of repairing mitral valves, a surgeon will use a small incision above the heart to gain access to the left side of the heart. The heart will then be opened slightly and the mitral valve will be repaired. Then, only this small incision leading to the heart will need to heal.

Talk to a doctor to find out if you or your loved one may be a good candidate for minimally invasive mitral valve repair surgery. This surgery can save a life without also debilitating a person.

Our heart and vascular specialists at NYU Langone’s Cardiac and Vascular Institute are leaders in

minimally invasive mitral valve repair

not only in New York City, but also around the world. Visit our page on

cardiac-surgery.med.nyu.edu/minimally-invasive-heart-surgery/

to see our page!

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Why You May Need Mitral Valve Repair Surgery}