The surgeons of Englewood Cardiac Surgery Associates are committed to repairing your own mitral valve whenever possible. Mitral valve repair is possible in (over 90%) of patients with mitral insufficiency (leaking mitral valve due to non-rheumatic causes). This procedure avoids the potential problems associated with the implantation of an artificial valve, such as the need of blood thinners. If this procedure is performed prior to any substantial damage to the heart the patient’s life expectancy will be close to that of any other person their age.
Mitral Valve Replacement
For patients with stenosis (narrowing) of their mitral valve and patients with leaking (regurgitant) mitral valves that cannot be repaired, we offer a variety of mitral replacement options.
In those patients with narrowed mitral valves from rheumatic (scarlet) fever, repair of their valve is associated with poor long term durability. For these patients replacement of their mitral valve offers an excellent solution.
There are 2 types available for replacements, mechanical or biological valves.
Mechanical (or prosthetic) valves can last indefinitely. The advantage of mechanical valves is mainly its durability. The disadvantage is the risk of clot formation (thromboembolism) therefore, patients will need long term treatment with blood thinners. Complications for the use of mechanical valves are those related to the use of blood thinners.
Biological (or bio-prosthetic) valves are made of porcine or bovine pericardium. Although patients will not need treatment with blood thinners, their main disadvantage is the short durability and patients may require re-operation.
Key Benefits:
Patients will usually experience an improvement in their shortness of breath and exercise ability
We use techniques to maintain the support structure of the valve which helps with heart function
View video of Mitral Valve Replacement:
St. Jude bileaflet valve (1)
Carpentier-Edwards
bio-prosthetic valve (2)
Medtronic Hancock M.O. II
bio-prosthetic valve (3)
The choice of the type of valve is made by the patient with their doctor’s help. It will usually depend on the patient’s age, what other medical conditions are present, if allergies to blood thinners are present, and lifestyle.
