Our Summary

This research paper discusses the case of a 6-year-old child who had a very rare heart condition where the mitral valve (a part of the heart that helps control blood flow) had two openings instead of one, and was also leaking severely. The doctors were able to successfully fix this problem, showing that, even with complicated heart conditions like this, repairing the mitral valve can be very effective.

FAQs

  1. What is a double-orifice mitral valve?
  2. Can a mitral valve repair be successfully performed on a double-orifice mitral valve?
  3. What were the results of the mitral valve repair in the case of the 6-year-old patient?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about mitral valve repair is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including taking prescribed medications, attending follow-up appointments, and making necessary lifestyle changes to support heart health. It is important to communicate any concerning symptoms or changes in health to your healthcare provider promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for mitral valve repair include those with mitral valve regurgitation or mitral valve prolapse. Mitral valve repair is often preferred over replacement in younger patients, as it preserves the natural anatomy and function of the valve. Patients with complex anatomy, such as double-orifice mitral valve, may also be candidates for mitral valve repair, as demonstrated in the case presented. Overall, mitral valve repair is recommended for patients with mitral valve disease who are deemed suitable candidates for the procedure.

Timeline

Before mitral valve repair:

  • Patient may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and chest pain
  • Diagnosis of mitral valve regurgitation is made through imaging tests such as echocardiography
  • Patient may undergo medical management to control symptoms and prevent further complications

After mitral valve repair:

  • Surgery is performed to repair the mitral valve, either through open-heart surgery or minimally invasive techniques
  • Recovery period involves monitoring for complications, physical therapy, and medication management
  • Patient may experience improved symptoms such as increased energy, better exercise tolerance, and reduced risk of heart failure
  • Long-term follow-up is necessary to monitor the effectiveness of the repair and ensure continued heart health.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. Can mitral valve repair be performed in my specific case?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with mitral valve repair surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery period after mitral valve repair surgery?
  4. Will I need to take any medication or make lifestyle changes after the surgery?
  5. What are the expected outcomes and success rates of mitral valve repair in patients with my condition?
  6. Are there any alternative treatment options to mitral valve repair that I should consider?
  7. How often will I need follow-up appointments and monitoring after the surgery?
  8. Are there any restrictions or limitations on physical activity or diet after mitral valve repair surgery?
  9. What signs or symptoms should I watch for that may indicate a complication or recurrence of mitral valve issues?
  10. Are there any long-term implications or considerations I should be aware of after undergoing mitral valve repair surgery?

Reference

Authors: Gonzalez T, Vera F, Ruiz E. Journal: Cardiol Young. 2019 Feb;29(2):214-215. doi: 10.1017/S1047951118001890. Epub 2018 Dec 4. PMID: 30511602