MR and post radiation complications

  Hello.
  My husband (44) has been told he has severe Mitral valve regurgitation. At first the cardiologists
  explained it as being a fairly straightforward, routine surgery. Then, they "remembered" that he
  had had radiation therapy 22 years ago, for Hodgkin's Disease. Now, the tables seem to have turned,
  and they don't even give odds on the success of having surgery. We have switched to a different facility,
  but haven't met the Dr. there yet. Can you give me an idea of what the complications are, and what his
  chances are for surviving the surgery? Is this a common enough problem that it can be dealt with? I would
  appreciate any information you can give me. I have been unable to find anything about this on the web.
  Thanks!
  Linda

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Dear  Linda,
Thank you for your question.  The "wrinkle" that a history of radiation introduces is not a minor problem but is not insurmountable either.  Radiation has the effect of creating scar tissue and thus makes the surgery technically more challenging.  I would strongly suggest going to a center where there is extensive experience in heart surgery.
I hope you find this information useful.  Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies.  Please feel free to write back with additional questions.
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.  The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.