Mitral valve repair is a surgical procedure to make the flaps of the mitral valve stay closer together. This will help stop blood from flowing the wrong way through the valve.
A little background
The mitral valve is a small flap in the heart that stops blood from flowing the wrong way. Problems with it can affect how blood flows around the body.
The main problems that affect the mitral valve are:
- Mitral valves prolapse – the valve becomes too floppy
- Mitral regurgitation – the valve leaks and blood flow the wrong way
- Mitral stenosis – the valve does not open as wide as it should
Mitral valve repair is used to treat mitral valve prolapse or regurgitation if the problem is serious and causing symptoms.
The operation is usually performed under general anaesthesia.It may be done as keyhole surgery, where a small clip is attached to the mitral valve to help it close.
Most people experience a significant improvement in their symptoms after surgery but speak to your surgeon about the possible complications.
References:
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/mitral-valve-problems/