Re: mitral valve replacement

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD - CRC on August 31, 1998 at 09:21:17:

In Reply to: mitral valve replacement posted by MCH on August 30, 1998 at 13:18:54:






My mother is about to undergo mitral valve replacement overseas.  Is
there anything she should be on the look out for pre- and post-
operation?  What kind of valves are being used today?  Which one is
better?  What is the survival rate of such procedure?  How long will
it take for her to recover?






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Dear MCH,
Thank you for your question.  There are basically two options for mitral valve replacement, tissue or mechanical.  Tissue valves are preserved valves from animals and have the advantage of not having to take a blood thinner .  The disadvantage is the shorter life-span of the valve.  A tissue valve will last 8 - 12 years whereas a mechanical valve will last much longer.  The disadvantage of the mechanical valve is the requirement of taking life-long blood thinner.  There is no "right" answer as to which valve is best.  It really depends upon each case and the preference of the surgeon.  
Recovery time will also depend upon each individual but averages about a week in the hospital and several weeks at home.  By 6-9 months most people are back to 100%.  The mortality will, once again, depend upon the individual case and surgeon but is in general less than 2%.  
Ask your mother to discuss these issues with her doctor before the surgery.  Please feel free to write back with any additional question.
Information provided here is for general educational purposes only. Only your doctor can provide specific diagnoses and treatments. If you would like to be seen at the Cleveland Clinic, please Call 1 - 800 - CCF - CARE for an appointment at Desk F15 with a cardiologist