Our Summary

This research paper explains how to treat an infection in the mitral valve, a part of the heart, through surgery. The main goals of this surgery are to remove the infected tissue and mend the heart’s structure, which includes fixing or replacing the damaged valve. Previous studies from single institutions indicate that repairing the mitral valve, instead of replacing it, can be more successful for this type of infection. This method has shown to decrease the number of deaths in the hospital and increase the survival rate without further health issues. This paper looks at the history, techniques, and clinical results of mitral valve repair for this infection.

FAQs

  1. What are the primary objectives of surgery in mitral valve infective endocarditis?
  2. What is the preferred surgical method for mitral valve infective endocarditis based on in-hospital mortality and long-term event-free survival?
  3. What are the key techniques involved in mitral valve repair for mitral infective endocarditis?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about mitral valve repair is to follow a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet to help maintain the long-term success of the repair. Additionally, it is important to attend all follow-up appointments and screenings as recommended by your healthcare provider to monitor the function of the repaired valve and address any potential issues promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended mitral valve repair include those with mitral valve infective endocarditis, mitral valve regurgitation, mitral valve prolapse, and other structural abnormalities of the mitral valve. Mitral valve repair is often preferred over replacement in order to preserve the natural anatomy and function of the valve, as well as to avoid the need for long-term anticoagulation therapy. Patients who are younger, have fewer comorbidities, and have less severe valve pathology are also more likely to be candidates for mitral valve repair.

Timeline

Before mitral valve repair, a patient may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, palpitations, and chest pain. They may undergo diagnostic tests such as echocardiograms and cardiac catheterization to confirm the diagnosis of mitral valve disease. Once a decision is made to proceed with mitral valve repair, the patient will undergo pre-operative evaluation and preparation, including discussions with the surgical team and anesthesia team.

During mitral valve repair surgery, the infected tissue is removed, and the affected valve is reconstructed using various techniques such as autologous pericardium or ring annuloplasty. The goal of the surgery is to restore normal valve function and prevent further complications such as heart failure or stroke.

After mitral valve repair, the patient will be closely monitored in the intensive care unit for a period of time to ensure proper recovery. They may undergo rehabilitation and physical therapy to regain strength and function. Long-term follow-up with the surgical team will be necessary to monitor the success of the repair and address any potential complications.

Overall, mitral valve repair can provide significant benefits to patients with mitral valve infective endocarditis, including improved quality of life and long-term survival.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the benefits of mitral valve repair compared to replacement for my specific condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with mitral valve repair surgery?
  3. How experienced are you in performing mitral valve repair procedures?
  4. What is the success rate of mitral valve repair surgery for patients with mitral valve infective endocarditis?
  5. Will I need any additional treatments or medications after the surgery?
  6. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process following mitral valve repair surgery?
  7. How often will I need follow-up appointments and monitoring after the surgery?
  8. Are there any lifestyle changes or restrictions I will need to follow after mitral valve repair surgery?
  9. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider besides mitral valve repair?
  10. Can you provide me with any resources or information to help me better understand mitral valve repair surgery and my condition?

Reference

Authors: Okada Y, Nakai T, Kitai T. Journal: Cardiol Clin. 2021 May;39(2):189-196. doi: 10.1016/j.ccl.2021.01.005. PMID: 33894933