About Mitral Valve Repair:-

The mitral valve is composed of two leaflets that open and close with each heartbeat, allowing blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle while preventing backward flow. Conditions such as regurgitation (leakage) or stenosis (narrowing) can impair the mitral valve’s function, leading to symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, and reduced exercise tolerance. Whenever possible, mitral valve repair focuses on restoring the valve’s proper function rather than replacing it with an artificial valve.

Procedure of Mitral Valve Repair:-

• Preoperative Evaluation: Before the mitral valve repair, a thorough evaluation of the patient’s heart condition, valve function, and overall health is conducted. This typically includes imaging tests like echocardiography, cardiac catheterization, and sometimes cardiac MRI to assess the structure and function of the valve, as well as any related abnormalities.
• Anesthesia and Incision: The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. Access to the heart and mitral valve may be gained through a sternotomy (a vertical incision through the breastbone) or a smaller thoracotomy incision.
• Valve Examination and Repair: The surgeon carefully examines the mitral valve to determine the extent of any damage or dysfunction. The specific repair techniques used depend on the valve condition and may include:

1. Valve Annuloplasty: The surgeon reshapes or reinforces the valve annulus (the supportive ring structure of the valve) using a flexible ring or band. This helps restore the valve’s proper shape and improves its ability to close effectively.
2. Leaflet Repair: Damaged or weakened valve leaflets may be repaired by removing excess tissue, fixing tears, or reinforcing weak areas, ensuring effective closure and restoring normal function.
3. Chordal Reconstruction: If the chordae tendineae (the tendinous cords connecting the valve leaflets to the heart muscle) are damaged or elongated, they may be repaired or replaced to restore proper alignment and function of the leaflets.

• Testing and Adjustments: After the repair is completed, the surgeon tests the valve’s function by filling the heart with a saline solution and observing its closure. Any necessary adjustments or additional repairs are made to ensure optimal valve performance.

• Closing the Incision: Once the mitral valve repair is deemed successful, the incision is closed using sutures or staples, and sterile dressings are applied to promote healing.

• Postoperative Care and Recovery: Following the surgery, the patient is closely monitored in the intensive care unit (ICU). Medications to support heart function, prevent infection, and manage pain are administered. Rehabilitation, including physical therapy and a gradual return to activities, is initiated to facilitate recovery.