Summary
This operation aims to solve a problem in the mitral valve of the heart, i.e. the valve between the two chambers on the left side of the heart.
Preparation
To begin, the patient is positioned on their back and given a medication to help them fall asleep, while the surgeon gains access to the heart through a small incision on the chest or near the armpit. Alternatively, if the procedure is done endoscopically, the surgeon makes tiny incisions to allow the insertion of a camera and surgical instruments.
The heart is kept still during the surgery, with its function taken over by a heart-lung machine that provides blood and oxygen to the body.
Intervention
A small entry point is made in the left side of the heart. The surgeon carefully examines the mitral valve.
A healthy valve has two flaps (called “cusps”) that open and close to allow blood to pass through. If the flaps are malformed, fused, or damaged, they can be reshaped or reconstructed. The surgeon may need to adjust the tendinous chords, which are very small, cord-like tendons that connect the valve to the heart muscle. The surgeon may then need to repair the cartilage ring surrounding the mitral valve.
End of Intervention
At the end of the procedure, the heart and chest are closed, and the incision is dressed with a bandage. The patient is required to stay in the hospital for a certain period for post-operative monitoring.
The primary care doctor will provide the best advice for optimal post-surgical recovery.
Overview
This is a procedure to fix a problem with yourheart’s mitral valve. That’s the valve between thetwo chambers on the left side of your heart.
Preparation
To begin, you lie on your back and you are givenmedicine to put you to sleep. The surgeonaccesses your heart through a small incision onyour chest or near your armpit. Or, if you are havingan endoscopic procedure, your surgeon makes afew tiny openings for a camera and instruments.Your heart is stopped for the procedure. Aheart-lung machine will supply blood and oxygenfor your body.
Procedure
A small opening is made in the left side of yourheart. Your surgeon carefully examines the mitralvalve. A healthy valve has two flaps (called “cusps”)that open and close to let blood through. If yourflaps are malformed, fused or damaged, they canbe trimmed, shaped or rebuilt. The surgeon mayneed to adjust the chordae tendinae. These are thetiny string-like tendons that connect the valve to theheart muscle. And, your surgeon may need torepair the annulus. That’s the ring of cartilagearound the mitral valve.
End of Procedure
When the procedure is done, your heart and chestare closed and the incision is covered with abandage. You will need to stay in the hospitaltemporarily for monitoring. Your healthcare providerwill give you tips to help your recovery.
