Our Summary

This research paper looks at studies published from the year 2000 onwards, which focus on the outcomes of replacing the mitral valve in the hearts of children under the age of 1. This procedure is particularly significant because it has the highest death rate and has worse long-term health outcomes than any other similar heart valve replacement surgeries in children. The article pays special attention to the valve replacement in newborns and infants, in order to offer insights into the best choice of valve and surgical technique.

FAQs

  1. What is the mortality rate and long-term prognosis for mitral valve replacement in children under 1 year of age?
  2. What insights does the article provide about valve choice and technique for neonatal and infant valve replacement?
  3. What are the key outcome measures for bioprosthetic, mechanical, and transcatheter mitral valve replacements in pediatrics?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about mitral valve replacement is to carefully follow post-operative instructions, including taking prescribed medications, attending follow-up appointments, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to ensure the success of the procedure and long-term health of the heart.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for mitral valve replacement include those with severe mitral valve disease, such as mitral stenosis or severe regurgitation, that is causing symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, or heart failure. Patients with congenital heart defects that affect the mitral valve may also be recommended for mitral valve replacement. Additionally, patients who have failed previous mitral valve repair procedures or who are not candidates for repair may be recommended for mitral valve replacement. It is important to consider the individual patient’s age, overall health, and specific condition when determining whether mitral valve replacement is the best treatment option.

Timeline

Before mitral valve replacement:

  • Patient may experience symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, and palpitations
  • Diagnostic tests such as echocardiogram, MRI, and cardiac catheterization may be performed to assess the severity of the mitral valve disease
  • Treatment options such as medication, lifestyle changes, and minimally invasive procedures may be considered before deciding on surgery

After mitral valve replacement:

  • Patient undergoes the surgical procedure to replace the damaged mitral valve with either a mechanical or bioprosthetic valve
  • Recovery in the hospital typically takes several days to weeks, depending on the patient’s overall health and the complexity of the surgery
  • Patient will need to take medication to prevent blood clots and monitor for any signs of infection or complications
  • Cardiac rehabilitation and follow-up appointments with the healthcare team are important for long-term monitoring and management of the new valve

Overall, mitral valve replacement can greatly improve the quality of life for patients with severe mitral valve disease, but it is important to carefully consider the risks and benefits of the procedure before proceeding.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with mitral valve replacement surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery period after mitral valve replacement surgery?
  3. Will I need to take medication after the surgery, and if so, for how long?
  4. How often will I need follow-up appointments after the surgery?
  5. Are there any lifestyle changes I should make after mitral valve replacement surgery?
  6. What are the expected outcomes and long-term prognosis of mitral valve replacement surgery?
  7. Are there any alternative treatment options to mitral valve replacement that I should consider?
  8. How experienced is the surgical team in performing mitral valve replacement procedures?
  9. What type of valve (bioprosthetic or mechanical) will be used for the replacement, and what are the differences between the two?
  10. What is the success rate of mitral valve replacement surgery in patients of my age and medical history?

Reference

Authors: Lehenbauer DG, Tweddell JS, Winlaw DS. Journal: Semin Thorac Cardiovasc Surg Pediatr Card Surg Annu. 2021;24:44-56. doi: 10.1053/j.pcsu.2021.03.005. PMID: 34116782