Mitral Valve Replacement Surgery in Noida, Delhi, India

Overview

Mitral Valve Replacement surgery involves replacing a damaged mitral valve in the heart, which is located between the left atrium and left ventricle. Replacement may be necessary due to infection, congenital defects, or degenerative diseases. This surgery can be performed using either open-heart or minimally invasive techniques.

When is Mitral Valve Replacement Surgery Needed?

The mitral valve regulates blood flow between the left atrium & the left ventricle. Surgery is required if the valve is unable to fully open or close. A stiff or narrow mitral valve will prevent blood from entering, while a leaky mitral valve will cause blood to backflow into the lungs.

Who are the Ideal Candidates for Mitral Valve Replacement Surgery?

Candidates for mitral valve replacement include patients who:

• Suffer from symptomatic chronic severe primary mitral regurgitation, often due to degenerative valve disease.
• Have a Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF) of >30%.
• Are symptomatic with severe LV systolic dysfunction (LVEF <30%) refractory to medical therapy and have low comorbidity.

Who Should Not Consider Mitral Valve Surgery?

Mitral valve replacement should be avoided if:

• The patient has high comorbidity, meaning they suffer from multiple diseases.
• The mitral valve disease is not severe.
• Mitral valve repair is a viable option, as it has lower risk and better post-operative outcomes.

How to Prepare for Mitral Valve Surgery

Medical Tests:

• Echocardiography and other tests to assess heart condition.
• Clearance from various medical departments such as cardiology and neurology.
• The medical team will review the surgery process and address concerns.

Arrange a Ride Home:

• Discuss hospital stay with family and arrange transportation.

Talk to the Doctor:

• Inform doctors about all medications and supplements taken.
• Ask when or if these can be taken before surgery.
• Notify doctors of any medication allergies.

Fasting Before the Procedure:

• Follow doctor’s instructions on when to stop eating and drinking before surgery.

Time Off Work:

• Patients may need up to two weeks off work, depending on the type of surgery.
• Diagnosis of Mitral Valve Disease

Mitral valve disease symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Shortness of breath
• Cyanosis
• Chest pain
• Fluid retention in the lower limbs

Diagnosis involves tests and imaging:

• Echocardiogram: Detailed examination of the mitral valve.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): Detects heart chamber enlargement, heart disease, and irregular rhythms.
• Chest X-ray: Reveals heart and lung conditions.
• Cardiac MRI: Provides detailed heart images to assess disease severity.
• Exercise Stress Test: Assesses heart response to physical activity or drugs simulating exercise.

Stages of Mitral Valve Disease:

• Stage A: At risk.
• Stage B: Progressive (mild valve disease).
• Stage C: Asymptomatic severe.
• Stage D: Symptomatic severe.

For Stage D and sometimes Stage C, mitral valve replacement may be recommended.

Mitral Valve Treatment

A damaged mitral valve may need to be repaired or replaced even without symptoms. Replacement involves using an artificial metal or biological valve:

• Metal Valve: Lasts a lifetime but requires blood thinners.
• Biological Valve: Lasts 15-20 years without the need for blood thinners.

During Mitral Valve Surgery

Surgeons open the chest to access and replace the damaged valve. The surgery usually takes at least two hours. The patient is on Cardiopulmonary Bypass (CPB) during the procedure.

Possible Complications of Mitral Valve Replacement Surgery

• Hemorrhage
• Blood clots
• Valve malfunction
• Irregular heartbeats
• Infection
• Stroke
• Death
• Taking Care After Mitral Valve Surgery

Most patients stay in the hospital for five to seven days, though minimally invasive surgery may result in shorter stays. Recovery can take weeks to months, depending on the type of surgery performed. Infection is a serious risk, so it’s crucial to keep incisions sterile and watch for symptoms like fever, chills, tenderness, or excessive drainage.

Follow-Up Care

Regular check-ups are crucial. A support system should be in place to help with household tasks and transportation to medical appointments.

Reviewed & Updated On

Reviewed by Dr. (Prof.) Purshotam Lal, Chairman – Metro Group of Hospitals & Director – Interventional Cardiology on 13-June-2024.