The surgery may take
2 to 4 hours
. This surgery can sometimes be done through a groin artery, with no cuts on your chest. The doctor sends a catheter (flexible tube) with a balloon attached on the end. The balloon inflates to stretch the opening of the valve.
How long does valve repair surgery take?
The surgery will take
at least two hours or longer
, depending upon the number of valves that need to be repaired or replaced. You will wake up in the recovery room or an intensive care unit (ICU). You will stay in the hospital for about a week.
What is the success rate of mitral valve repair?
With proper patient selection and timely intervention, the estimated success rate of mitral valve repair surgery is
around 95%
. Almost 95% of patients are free of reoperation for 10 years. At 20 years, around 90% of people do not need reoperation for mitral valve repair.
Does mitral valve repair shorten your life?
The results of the study showed that
the life expectancy of mitral valve repair patients matched the average life expectancy at any age between 40-89
. In the 20-39 year range, there were very few deaths limiting predictability, but survival also appears to be normative.
What happens after mitral valve repair?
The incision in your chest may be sore or swollen
. These symptoms usually get better after 4 to 6 weeks. You will probably be able to do many of your usual activities after 4 to 6 weeks. But for at least 6 weeks, you will not be able to lift heavy objects or do activities that strain your chest or upper arm muscles.
Is it better to have a mitral valve repaired or replaced?
Whenever possible,
it’s better to repair the mitral valve rather than replace it
.” Mitral valve repair may help you to avoid complications that can occur with mitral valve replacement, including the risk of blood clots with mechanical valves.
What is the average age for heart valve replacement?
The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association currently recommend
mechanical valves for people under age 50 and biologic valves for those over 70
. Between those ages, the groups say, neither type has a clear advantage.
How serious is heart valve repair surgery?
Possible risks of heart valve repair or replacement surgery include:
Bleeding during or after the surgery
. Blood clots that can cause heart attack, stroke, or lung problems. Infection.
Why do mitral valve repairs fail?
Mitral valve repairs, regardless of underlying etiology and the surgical techniques used to effect repair, can fail for 3 reasons:
a deficient surgical technique causing immediate failure, a delayed failure of surgical technique, or the progression of native disease
.
Can you live a long life after heart valve surgery?
Pooled data from 85 studies estimated that
89.7% of people survived for two years after surgery, 78.4% at five years, 57.0% at 10 years, 39.7% at 15 years, and 24.7% at 20 years
. Subgroup analysis showed that five-year survival declined with increasing patient age (from 83.7% in under-65s to 52.5% for those over 85).
How many times can you have a heart valve replaced?
Sometimes, a patient’s own tissue can be used for valve replacement (called an autograft). Patients with biological valves usually do not need to take blood-thinning medicines. These valves are not as strong as mechanical valves, though, and they may need to be replaced
every 10 years or so
.
Is mitral valve repair permanent?
After mitral valve repair,
95% of patients are free of reoperation at 10 years, and this figure is approximately 90% at 20 years
. Thus, reoperation is uncommon after a successful mitral valve repair. An echocardiogram is recommended annually to assess valve function.
How long after heart valve repair can you drive?
Do not drive for at least
4 to 6 weeks
after your surgery. The twisting movements needed to turn the steering wheel may pull on your incision. Expect to take 6 to 8 weeks off work.
How long does it take for lungs to recover after heart surgery?
Healing time will take at least
two to three months
. You can expect to have good and bad days during this time and you may feel tired, irritable, anxious, depressed or simply not quite yourself for a few weeks.
Can you live a long life with mitral valve regurgitation?
Most people with mitral valve prolapse can lead active, long lives
. It is important to receive ongoing medical care to monitor your condition, to follow a heart healthy diet and get regular exercise. If symptoms appear or worsen, they can usually be controlled with medicines.
How serious is a mitral valve leak?
A healthy mitral valve keeps your blood moving in the right direction. A leaky valve doesn’t close the way it should, allowing some blood to flow backward into the left atrium.
If left untreated, a leaky valve could lead to heart failure
.
How long can a person live with a leaky heart valve?
In developing countries, it progresses much more rapidly and may lead to symptoms in children less than 5 years of age. Around 80% of patients with mild symptoms live for
at least 10 years
after diagnosis.
