Mitral valve repair is a surgery performed to correct the mitral valve, ensuring it functions properly. It is a safe and effective method without resorting to cutting the breast bone. It has long-term benefits, preserves heart function, and avoids the need for anticoagulation. It is a less invasive procedure that experienced surgeons and teams should perform. Dr. Sujay Shad, a senior heart surgeon at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, one of the best Heart hospital in Delhi, strongly advises patients to consult with an experienced doctor before undergoing this surgery, ensuring they receive the best possible care and guidance.

Read on for more details on this surgery!

What is a Mitral Valve?

The heart’s Mitral valve is situated between the heart's left upper and lower chambers. It acts as a one-directional valve that ensures blood circulation in the right direction. When the valve opens, it enables blood flow from the lung and left atrium to the left ventricle. When the left ventricle contracts to pump the blood into the body, the mitral valve closes to prevent blood flow backwards into the lungs. Blood flows from the lungs via the heart and throughout the body.

When does one need a Mitral Valve Repair Surgery?

Mitral valve disease develops when the valves in the heart's upper chamber do not open or close properly, allowing blood to flow backwards out of the heart or restricting blood flow to the left ventricle. Hence, mitral valve damage or deformity hinders its functioning, and the person may need surgery to repair it.

Symptoms of Mitral valve diseases are not always noticeable until they become severe. Some of the symptoms of mitral valve disease may involve the following:

- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Heart murmur
- Swelling or oedema in ankles or feet
- Arrhythmia (abnormal rhythm of the heartbeat).

Mitral Valve Repair Surgery Procedure

The Mitral Valve Repair in India began after several tests, such as a blood test, physical exam, and medical history review, were conducted to determine whether the person’s health was well enough. The patient will also be given specific instructions to prepare for the surgery, such as fasting for a certain period before the procedure and stopping certain medications.

In this surgery, the patient is under general anaesthesia. The surgeon will create small cuts on the chest, opening the middle of the chest at the breastbone to access the heart. Depending on the severity and type of the disease, the surgery may involve excess tissue removal from the valve and separating or reconnecting the leaflets of the mitral valves.

The surgeon may perform tightening of the valve by following techniques:

Annuloplasty: In this procedure, the ring surrounding the mitral valve is known as the annulus. It is reinforced or tightened to reshape the valve so it can work properly.

Mitral valve clip: In this procedure, a small metal valve clip is inserted via a catheter into the heart from an artery, leg, or groyne. This clip helps reshape the mitral valve. It is a minimally invasive procedure for patients at higher risk of complications.

Benefits of these Heart Surgeries:

- Minimal pain
- Less risk of wound infection
- Fast healing
- Smaller scars
- Quicker recovery.

Recovery after Mitral Valve Repair

After the surgery, the patient must stay in the intensive care unit for 24 hours for further monitoring. The patient may need to stay in the hospital for several days based on their recovery and the severity of the disease. Recovery may take several months, and the patient can resume their regular activities only after the doctor’s advice.

If you have any doubts or questions, consult an expert heart surgeon, Dr. Sujay Shad, at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Heart Hospital in Delhi, for more details on this surgery, and its cost in detail!