Mitral Valve Repair Surgery
Mitral valve repair is a surgery to repair a mitral valve that isn't
working properly due to valvular
heart disease. Mitral valves can have one of two malfunctions:
-
Regurgitation – The valve doesn't close completely, causing
blood to flow backward instead of forward through the valve.
-
Stenosis – The valve does not open properly or becomes
narrow, inhibiting the flow of blood out of the chambers of the
heart. When this happens, the heart is forced to pump blood with
increased force in order to move blood through the stiff (stenotic)
valve.
When mitral valves fail to open and close properly, the heart can
become damaged. Heart valve problems are one cause of heart failure.
How is mitral valve repair surgery performed?
There are different mitral valve repair techniques. Most are
performed during open-heart surgery.
-
Annuloplasty is a mitral valve repair procedure where an
abnormal section of the valve is removed, the edges are sutured back
together and a cloth-covered ring is placed around the valve
-
Commissurotomy is a surgery where mitral valve flaps are
surgically separated to relieve stenosis.
In some cases, mitral valve repair is performed through a small
incision, in a minimally invasive procedure, without having to open
the chest.
Sometimes, damaged mitral valves cannot be repaired and have to be replaced.
What are the advantages of mitral valve repair surgery?
Mitral valve repair surgery has several advantages over mitral valve
replacement surgery:
- Improved survival rates
- Better heart function after
surgery
- Lower risk of stroke and infection
- Eliminates the need for blood thinners after surgery
Why choose Stanford Hospital & Clinics for mitral valve repair?
Stanford has long been at the forefront of surgical techniques to
treat mitral valve disorders. Craig Miller, MD has conducted
ground-breaking, NIH supported research in surgical therapy for mitral
valve disorders and leads our team. Our surgeons work closely with our
cardiologists both in echocardiography and
heart failure to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.