Our Summary

This study looked at the outcomes of patients who had surgery to fix a condition called functional mitral regurgitation, a heart valve disorder that can lead to heart failure. The researchers analyzed the medical records of 176 patients who had this surgery at their center between 1999 and 2018. They found that, after surgery, 92.3% of patients had no or very little regurgitation (leakage of blood through the valve). However, after an average of about 3.5 years, about 37% of patients had at least moderate regurgitation again. The 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year survival rates were 78.8%, 66.7%, and 52.3%, respectively. The researchers found that older age and having a lower heart pumping strength before surgery were linked to a higher chance of dying. They also found that older age was the only factor linked to higher chance of the regurgitation coming back.

FAQs

  1. What is functional mitral regurgitation and how can it lead to heart failure?
  2. What were the main findings of this study on patients who had surgery for functional mitral regurgitation?
  3. What factors were found to be linked to a higher chance of death or the regurgitation coming back after surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One important tip a doctor might give a patient about mitral valve repair is to closely monitor their heart health after surgery. This includes regular check-ups with a cardiologist, following a heart-healthy diet, staying physically active, and taking any prescribed medications as directed. It is also important to report any new or worsening symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly. By staying vigilant and taking proactive steps to care for your heart, you can help ensure the best possible outcomes following mitral valve repair surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended mitral valve repair are those with functional mitral regurgitation, a condition in which the mitral valve does not close properly, causing blood to leak back into the heart. This condition can lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the legs and abdomen. Patients who are recommended for mitral valve repair are usually those who have severe symptoms, poor heart function, and a high risk of developing complications such as heart failure. Older age and lower heart pumping strength before surgery are factors that may indicate a higher risk for complications and mortality.

Timeline

  • Diagnosis of functional mitral regurgitation: Patients may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and heart palpitations. They may undergo diagnostic tests such as echocardiograms to confirm the diagnosis.

  • Consultation with a cardiologist: Patients will meet with a cardiologist to discuss treatment options, including mitral valve repair surgery.

  • Pre-operative evaluation: Patients will undergo further testing to assess their overall health and suitability for surgery.

  • Mitral valve repair surgery: The patient undergoes surgery to repair the mitral valve, which may involve techniques such as valve repair or replacement.

  • Post-operative recovery: Patients will stay in the hospital for a period of time to recover from surgery, followed by a period of rehabilitation to regain strength and function.

  • Follow-up care: Patients will have regular follow-up appointments with their cardiologist to monitor their progress and adjust their treatment plan as needed.

  • Long-term outcomes: Patients may experience improvements in their symptoms and quality of life after mitral valve repair. However, there is a risk of regurgitation recurring over time, as well as potential complications associated with the surgery. Close monitoring and ongoing care are important for managing the condition effectively.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the success rate of mitral valve repair surgery in terms of reducing or eliminating regurgitation?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with mitral valve repair surgery?
  3. How long can I expect the results of the surgery to last before regurgitation may potentially return?
  4. Are there any lifestyle changes or medications I will need to take after the surgery to maintain the results?
  5. What are the factors that could impact the long-term success of the surgery, such as age or heart pumping strength?
  6. How often will I need to follow-up with you after the surgery to monitor my heart health and the effectiveness of the repair?
  7. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that could be considered for mitral valve repair?
  8. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process following mitral valve repair surgery?
  9. How will mitral valve repair surgery impact my overall heart function and quality of life in the long term?
  10. Are there any specific signs or symptoms I should watch for that may indicate a complication or the return of regurgitation after surgery?

Reference

Authors: Campos-Arjona R, Rodríguez-Capitán J, Martínez-Carmona JD, Lavreshin A, Fernández-Romero L, Melero-Tejedor JM, Jiménez-Navarro M. Journal: Ann Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2022 Oct 20;28(5):342-348. doi: 10.5761/atcs.oa.22-00051. Epub 2022 Jul 15. PMID: 35851568