Re: Mitral Valve Replacement

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD - DLB on October 08, 1998 at 19:14:19:

In Reply to: Mitral Valve Replacement posted by Diane on October 08, 1998 at 09:51:53:






My 30-yr-old male cousin was hospitalized 2 weeks ago at St. Vincent's Hosp it Bridgeport CT with bacterial endocarditis following tooth extraction.  To make a long story short, he now has embolization and the  cardiac surgeon is recommending an "urgent" mitral valve replacement.  They called me (an RN in LA) for advice on what to do.  I would feel more comfortable with minimally invasive surgery, if possible. Also, would like your opinion on human donor replacement vs. the traditional which will require anticoags.  Do you do the former at CC? What it the procedure at the  Cleveland Clinic on urgent procedures?  My cousin's wife has his records and is trying to get more opinions, since the cardiologist did not sound as urgent as the surgeon.  They now think that they can wait.  I explained need, possible problems, etc.  Now I want to make sure that they get to the right place.  thanks
Dear Diane
We would be happy to accept your cousin in transfer. We do all the forms of mitral valve surgery that you refer to. Usually, after an embolic event, valve replacement (of some sort) is recommended. Part of the decision depends on what the echo shows.
I wish you the best of luck.
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