Mitral Valve Repair Surgery

About This Procedure

Mitral valve repair surgery is the best options for most patients with a leaking or narrowed mitral heart valve. The mitral valve controls the blood flow between the upper and lower chambers on the left side of the heart. Franciscan Health heart valve surgeons perform all mitral valve repairs through a two to three-inch incision on the right side of the chest. In many cases, we can employ the surgical robot and limit the incision size to only one inch.

A minimally invasive approach through the center of the chest is available for selected patients whose anatomy is best addressed through this incision. Minimally invasive approaches may also be used for patients who require aortic valve or tricuspid valve surgery, alone or in combination with mitral valve repair surgery. This method allows for faster recovery, less pain, a reduced need for blood transfusion and better cosmetic results.

The decision to prescribe medical treatment or proceed with surgical repair or replacement is based on the patient's type of heart valve disease, the severity of damage, the age and medical history. We evaluate each patient for minimally invasive surgery and work with the patient to choose the best and safest approach.

Why our surgeons advocate for repair

Franciscan Health's cardiovascular surgeons are pioneers in complex cases such as mitral valve repair, using the latest devices and participating in landmark research. Our surgeons strongly advocate valve repair over valve replacement, as it preserves your own heart valve, avoiding the long-term issues related to heart valve replacement.

Mitral valve repair surgery provides better long-term survival, better preservation of heart function, lower risk of complications, and typically eliminates the need for long-term use of blood thinners (anticoagulants). For these reasons, it is considered the optimal treatment route for most patients with a leaking mitral valve, and for many with a narrowed (stenotic) mitral valve. While recovery time varies based on each patient, this minimally invasive approach offers faster recovery than replacement. 

Advantages of mitral valve repair surgery:

• Better early and late survival (longer life)
• Improved lifestyle
• Better preservation of heart function
• Lower risk of stroke and infection (endocarditis)
• No need for blood thinners (anticoagulation)

Because everyone is different, recovery time varies based on procedure needed and patient health.

Candidates for mitral valve repair surgery may have the below situations:

Mitral Valve Repair and Atrial Fibrillation: Many patients with mitral valve disease have atrial fibrillation (an abnormal heart rhythm). For these patients, at the time of robotic or minimally invasive mitral valve repair, Franciscan surgeons perform an ablation (Maze procedure) with the intent of curing the atrial fibrillation.

Previous Mitral Valve Repair with Recurrent Mitral Regurgitation: There are instances when mitral valve repair may fail over time. Franciscan surgeons can frequently re-repair these valves, offering excellent long-term durability and the important advantages that go with mitral valve repair.

Previous Heart Surgery with Recurrent Mitral Regurgitation: Occasionally, a patient who has had previous bypass surgery, aortic valve surgery or other heart surgery develops a new problem with the mitral valve. In these re-operative settings, Franciscan surgeons can often safely and effectively repair leaking mitral valves.

Mitral Valve Repair for Endocarditis: When infection damages a mitral valve (endocarditis), repair is particularly challenging. Because of their extensive experience with such patients, Franciscan surgeons successfully repair the mitral valve in the majority of patients who have had endocarditis.

Mitral Calcification: Occasionally, a patient with mitral regurgitation has extensive calcium deposits on the valve leaflets or annulus. The calcium makes repair difficult and requires application of advanced surgical techniques and sound judgment. Franciscan Health surgeons have the expertise to ensure excellent outcomes in patients with calcified mitral valves.

How do I get connected to care?

If you have any concerns about your heart health to past heart procedures, be sure to check with your primary care physician or cardiologist.

If you or someone you know is experiencing signs and symptoms of a heart attack, dial 911 immediately and, when necessary, administer CPR.

---