Understanding Open Mitral Valve Replacement

A mitral valve replacement is a surgery to replace a mitral valve that doesn’t work well. It’s replaced with a new valve. The surgery is done with an incision (cut) in the middle of the chest that goes through your breastbone (the sternum). This is called an open heart surgery.

Why mitral valve replacement is done

The mitral valve is one of the heart’s four valves. These valves help the blood flow move forward in one direction through the heart’s four chambers and out to the body. The mitral valve lies between the left atrium and the left ventricle.

The surgery is done if you are having severe symptoms. Or it's done if the mitral valve is working poorly. These things may happen if you have one of these conditions:

• Mitral valve regurgitation. This is also known as mitral valve insufficiency. This is a leaky valve that lets blood flow backward in the heart. This can occur because of a heart defect you were born with, damage from a heart attack, or advanced age. A bacterial infection in your valve can also cause it.

• Narrow mitral valve. This is also known as mitral stenosis. The mitral valve opening is narrowed. This can limit the blood moving forward from the left atrium to the left ventricle or the heart's main pumping chamber. As a result, blood can back up in the lungs. You might have been born with this narrowed valve. But it can also occur because of damage from rheumatic fever.

These conditions can put stress on your heart. This can lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough, chest pain, fatigue, and swelling in your body. A new valve can let blood flow through your heart and out to your body normally again.

How mitral valve replacement is done

Your procedure will be done by a cardiac surgeon. This is a specialized health care provider who uses surgery to treat diseases of the heart. They will work with a specialized surgical team. You will be hooked up to a heart-lung machine. This machine will act as your heart and lungs during the surgery. The surgeon will make a cut down the middle of your chest. To reach your heart, the surgeon will separate the breastbone. This is called a sternotomy. They will take out your mitral valve and replace it with a new valve. Afterward, your sternum will be put back together with surgical wires.

Some other less invasive options may be available depending on your condition. Talk to your health care provider about the best options for you.

Risks of open mitral valve replacement

All surgery has some risks. The risks of open mitral valve replacement include:

• Infection.

• Bleeding.

• Irregular heart rhythms.

• Blood clots that can lead to stroke or heart attack.

• Problems from anesthesia.

• Damage to the arteries of the heart.

• Death.

Your own risks may vary based on your age, your general health, and the reason for your procedure. They may also vary depending on the structure of your heart. Talk with your health care provider about which risks apply most to you.