Our Summary

This study looked at the long-term results of repairing two different parts of the mitral valve in the heart (the anterior and posterior leaflets) in patients with degenerative heart disease. They looked at over 1000 patients who had their first heart surgery between 1992 and 2018. The researchers then selected equal groups of patients who had anterior and posterior repairs to compare their outcomes. They found that the surgery took slightly longer for anterior repairs, but there was no significant difference in survival rates or the need for further surgery between the two groups. They concluded that surgeons should aim to repair both parts of the mitral valve, rather than replacing it, in patients with degenerative heart disease.

FAQs

  1. What was the main focus of this study on mitral valve repair?
  2. Did the study find any significant difference in survival rates between patients who had anterior and posterior repairs?
  3. What was the conclusion of the study regarding the best surgical approach for patients with degenerative heart disease?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about mitral valve repair is to discuss with your surgeon the possibility of repairing both the anterior and posterior leaflets of the mitral valve during surgery. This may help improve long-term outcomes and reduce the need for further surgeries in the future.

Suitable For

Patients with degenerative heart disease are typically recommended mitral valve repair. This includes patients with mitral regurgitation, mitral valve prolapse, or other structural abnormalities of the mitral valve. Mitral valve repair is often preferred over replacement because it preserves the natural anatomy and function of the valve, resulting in better long-term outcomes for patients. Patients who are younger, have good overall heart function, and do not have significant comorbidities are often good candidates for mitral valve repair. It is important for patients to discuss their individual case with their healthcare provider to determine the best treatment approach for their specific condition.

Timeline

  1. Symptoms: Patients may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, and heart palpitations due to a malfunctioning mitral valve.

  2. Diagnosis: Patients undergo diagnostic tests such as echocardiograms, electrocardiograms, and possibly a cardiac catheterization to determine the severity of the mitral valve disease.

  3. Consultation with a cardiologist and cardiac surgeon: Patients meet with their healthcare providers to discuss treatment options, including the possibility of mitral valve repair.

  4. Pre-operative evaluation: Patients undergo pre-operative testing and evaluation to ensure they are healthy enough for surgery.

  5. Mitral valve repair surgery: The patient undergoes surgery to repair the mitral valve, which may involve repairing the anterior and/or posterior leaflets of the valve.

  6. Recovery: Patients typically spend several days in the hospital recovering from surgery, followed by a period of rehabilitation.

  7. Follow-up care: Patients receive regular follow-up care from their healthcare providers to monitor their recovery and ensure the long-term success of the mitral valve repair.

Overall, the goal of mitral valve repair is to improve the patient’s quality of life, alleviate symptoms, and prevent further complications associated with mitral valve disease.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific type of mitral valve repair surgery do you recommend for me and why?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with mitral valve repair surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery process after mitral valve repair surgery?
  4. Will I need to take medication long-term after the surgery?
  5. Are there any restrictions on physical activity or diet after mitral valve repair surgery?
  6. How often will I need to follow up with you after the surgery?
  7. What signs or symptoms should I watch for that may indicate a problem with the repaired mitral valve?
  8. Are there any lifestyle changes I should make to improve the long-term success of the mitral valve repair?
  9. What is the success rate of mitral valve repair surgery in patients with degenerative heart disease?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options to mitral valve repair that I should consider?

Reference

Authors: Brescia AA, Watt TMF, Rosenbloom LM, Murray SL, Wu X, Romano MA, Bolling SF; Michigan Mitral Research Group. Journal: J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2021 Oct;162(4):1087-1096.e3. doi: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2019.11.148. Epub 2020 Mar 5. PMID: 32305185