Mitral Valve and Aorta Valve replacement surgery

Posted By  CCF- Cardio-MD sk on September 04, 1997 at 09:30:53:

In Reply to: Mitral Valve and Aorta Valve replacement surgery posted by debra Murphy on August 29, 1997 at 15:37:52:

: Dear Doctor:

  My 69 year old mother, has been told that she soon will require
  replacement of her mitral and aorta valves.    She had reheumatic fever
  as a child, which left her with damage to these valves.  My question
  is what is the success rate of this operation?  She also has
  high blood pressure, which is under control at the present time.
  Thank you.

[CCF CARDIO MD SK]

Dear Debra,

2. Aortic and mitral valve surgery can be of various kinds. Both these valves can be repaired or replaced with many different approaches. These various surgeries have different risk profiles. Moreover, timing of surgery is a very important determinant for the immediate and long term outcome of the surgery. The risk of the valve surgery is dependent on the pumping function of the heart, concomitant coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation (irregular heart rhythm) as well as other illnesses like kidney problems, liver problems etc. m etc. The risk of these kind of surgery can range from 2-20% of having stroke, heart attack, other serious complications and death - depending on the factors listed above. Well controlled high blood pressure is not a major risk factor for worse outcome.  

I hope this has helped clarify some of your questions, if you have any further questions or would like to be seen by our cardiologists specializing in valve diseases here at The Cleveland Clinic please feel free to call 1-800-CCF-CARE for an appointment.

Information provided in the Heart Forum is intended for general medical informational purposes only. Actual diagnosis and treatment of any particular medical condition can only be made by your family physician(s).