Mitral Valve Replacement

The mitral valve is one of four essential heart valves and is located between the left atrium and the left ventricle. It plays a key role in regulating blood flow by ensuring it moves in the right direction during each heartbeat.

Cost Factors for Mitral Valve Replacement

The cost of mitral valve replacement surgery may vary due to:

Hospital choice and location
Type of room assigned
Surgeons’ and operating team’s fees
Medications and sterile dressings
Pre-op diagnostics and follow-up care
Type and cost of the valve used (mechanical or biological)

What Is Mitral Valve Replacement?

Mitral valve replacement is performed to repair or replace a stiff or leaky mitral valve. This can be done through:

Open-heart surgery
Minimally invasive surgery
Catheter-based interventions (Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement – TMVR)

Who May Need a New Mitral Valve?

Patients with damaged mitral valves may experience:

Shortness of breath
Rapid heartbeat
Light-headedness

Causes include:

Aging-related degeneration
Rheumatic fever
Coronary artery disease
Heart infections
Mitral valve prolapse

Types of Valve Replacement Techniques

1. Open Mitral Valve Replacement

Large incision
Heart temporarily stopped
Synthetic valve implanted
Requires longer recovery

2. Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement (TMVR)

Minimally invasive
Smaller incision
Shorter hospital stay and recovery time

Diagnostic Tests Before Surgery

Physical Exam: Heart murmur detection
Echocardiography: Valve function and structure
Transesophageal Echo
ECG: Detects rhythm and enlargement issues
Chest X-ray and Cardiac MRI
Stress tests

Procedure: Mitral Valve Replacement

Before Surgery:

Stop blood thinners
Quit smoking
Use antiseptic soap
Follow fasting instructions
Take designated medications

During Surgery:

General anesthesia administered
IV lines and breathing tube inserted
Sternum divided to access heart
Connected to heart-lung machine
Valve removed and replaced
Chest closed and tubes inserted

After Surgery:

ICU monitoring
Use of ventilator initially
Chest drains and pacing wires
Cardiac rehab program advised
Avoid strenuous activities for 3 months
Full activity after 4–6 weeks
Regular follow-up for valve checkups

Mechanical valves require lifelong anticoagulants.

Benefits of Mitral Valve Surgery

Improves survival and quality of life
Preserves heart function
Lowers stroke and endocarditis risks
Less need for long-term medication (with repair)

Potential Complications

Arrhythmias
Bleeding
Heart block or failure
Stroke or infection
Endocarditis
Pneumonia
Breathing difficulties

The Most Important Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What Is Valve Replacement Surgery?
A: Replacement of a damaged mitral valve with a new one (mechanical or biological).

Q: What Is Mitral Regurgitation?
A: Backflow of blood into the left atrium due to incomplete valve closure.

Q: What Is Mitral Stenosis?
A: Narrowed valve opening that restricts blood flow to the left ventricle.

Q: What Are the Risk Factors for Mitral Valve Disease?
A: Older age, infections, congenital defects.

Q: What Happens If Mitral Valve Disease Is Not Treated?
A: May cause atrial fibrillation, clots, pulmonary hypertension, stroke, and heart failure.

Q: How Long to Recover from Surgery?
A: Usually 2–3 weeks depending on age and health.

Q: What Are the Advantages of Valve Repair Over Replacement?
A: Lower mortality, fewer complications, no need for blood thinners.

Q: What Changes Should Be Made Post-Surgery?
A: Eat healthy, exercise, avoid smoking, take medicines regularly.

Q: When Is Surgery Necessary?
A: When the valve cannot be repaired or symptoms worsen.

Q: Warning Signs After Surgery?
A: Fever, swelling, redness, pus, breathing difficulty.

Q: Hospitalization Time Post-Surgery?
A: 7–10 days on average.

Q: Benefits of Minimally Invasive Procedure?
A: Less pain, reduced infection, quicker recovery.

Q: Will Repeat Surgery Be Required?
A: Depends on the type of valve and individual health conditions.