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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Is it possible to re-repair a mitral valve? Will it fix the A-Fib? Maze now or l
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Is it possible to re-repair a mitral valve? Will it fix the A-Fib? Maze now or l
by rybn, Aug 22, 2002 12:00AM
I am 65, 6ft 160lbs, male. Heart murmur since childhood. MVP diagnosed at age 30. Mitral valve was repaired (open ribs cage) at age 59, 6 years ago.
About 6 month ago I have noticed many PVC’s, especially at rest. Echo revealed “severe mitral regurgitation” (LA=44, LVIDd=49, LVPW (ed)=16, LVIDs=35, LV mass=271g). Atenolol was prescribed, (which lowered my resting heart rate to around 47 bpm), but A-Fib started 4 weeks after the first atenolol. Was the A-fib triggered by the atenolol?
I am now on coumadin, waiting for cardioversion. I don’t have shortness of breath or dizziness. There is no fluid retention in the legs.
My cardiologist says I will have to have a mechanical mitral valve in the next few months, and it will probably stop my A-Fib. If the A-Fib persist, a cath maze procedure will fix it. The Cleveland Clinic Maze web site recommends performing the maze during the valve repair/replacement surgery.
What would The Cleveland Clinic experts recommend?
If I need a second opinion, or want to be treated at the Cleveland Clinic – who should I see: The surgeon (Dr. Cosgrove)? A mitral valve doctor? (Who is the expert?), An A-fib doctor? (Again, who is the expert?).
Thank you
About 6 month ago I have noticed many PVC’s, especially at rest. Echo revealed “severe mitral regurgitation” (LA=44, LVIDd=49, LVPW (ed)=16, LVIDs=35, LV mass=271g). Atenolol was prescribed, (which lowered my resting heart rate to around 47 bpm), but A-Fib started 4 weeks after the first atenolol. Was the A-fib triggered by the atenolol?
I am now on coumadin, waiting for cardioversion. I don’t have shortness of breath or dizziness. There is no fluid retention in the legs.
My cardiologist says I will have to have a mechanical mitral valve in the next few months, and it will probably stop my A-Fib. If the A-Fib persist, a cath maze procedure will fix it. The Cleveland Clinic Maze web site recommends performing the maze during the valve repair/replacement surgery.
What would The Cleveland Clinic experts recommend?
If I need a second opinion, or want to be treated at the Cleveland Clinic – who should I see: The surgeon (Dr. Cosgrove)? A mitral valve doctor? (Who is the expert?), An A-fib doctor? (Again, who is the expert?).
Thank you
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-M.D.-KE, Aug 22, 2002 12:00AM
The atrial fibrillation you have recently started to experience is likely related to the problem with your mitral valve. I think you should be evaluated by a heart valve specialist and a rhythm specialist. I would recommend seeing Dr. Brian Griffin who is a valve specialist and Dr. Patrick Tchou who is a rhythm specialist. You can schedule an appointment by calling 1-800-CCF-CARE, have your primary doctor fax your medical records these physicians once your appointment has been made. We will likely want to repeat some of the tests such as an echocardiogram to get a better view of your mitral valve. Before commenting on a specific approach to treating your atrial fibrillation and mitral valve I think it is best to be seen first so that we may better characterize your condition.
Thanks for your question,
CCF-MD-KE
Member Comments (2)
by debra21784, Aug 23, 2002 12:00AM
To: rybn
Sorry to hear about your need for additional surgery.Like you I too had atrial fib with the emergent need of a valvoplasty surgery.All involved thought that the rythmmn disturbance would go away after the valve was taken care of .It did not.I ended up having to have an ablatation for the a fib but not soon enough.Unlike you ,the cardiologist taking care of me at the time did not anticougulate me and I had a major stroke because of afib.Your doc is proceeding along a good and solid path with the recommendations and care.The EP cardiologist and cardiac surgeon should work hand in hand.As suggested make sure you have these procedures done in a major academic teaching facility.You will then have the best .Good luck and stay on that coumadin
