Success of minimally invasive mitral valve repair

Posted by Linda on April 18, 1999 at 00:30:21
Are there any differences in the success rate and the length of time a mitral valve repair will last between a traditional open heart procedure versus a minimally invasive one?  Thanks

Posted by CCF CARDIO MD - MTR on April 19, 1999 at 22:21:27
Dear Linda , thank you for your question.  Minimally invasive mitral valve repair has only been available for 2-3 years at this point, so we don't have enough long-term follow-up data to adequately assess the durability of this procedure.  However, since this surgical approach was pioneered at the Cleveland Clinic by Dr. Delos Cosgrove, we have extensive experience with minimally invasive mitral valve repair.  Our initial results have been excellent and the majority of mitral valve repairs are now being done with a minimally invasive approach because of our positive experience.  However, you should speak with your own cardiologist regarding the risks and benefits of both approaches.
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