Tests required prior to MVP Surgery?

[Linda]

My cardiologist recommends that I get an mitral valve repair soon.

I would like to know what tests are normally required prior to getting surgery, such as a TEE, echocardiogram, stress echocardiogram, blood, etc.  Specifically, because I am 51 would I need a catherization? and, if so, why?

If I get the surgery at the Cleveland Clinic what tests should be done by the cardiologist there rather than by my current cardiologist?

Thanks.  This site is one of the best and the most helpful I have ever encountered!

Linda

[CCF CARDIO MD JMF]

Dear Denise,

Thank you for the information

[CCF CARDIO MD JMF]

Dear Linda,
A routine dental examination is necessary to make sure there is not significant dental disease that will potentially cause an infection of the valve.

[DENISE]

Yes, I was required to bring a letter from my dentist (within 6 months of the surgery) stating that I was free from any dental infections.  My dentist did full mouth x-rays and an exam.

Denise

[CCF CARDIO MD JMF]

Glad to be of assistance.  I did forget to mention the dental work.  thanks for pointing that out.

[Linda]

I understand your answer to be that in addition to the other tests mentioned above, anyone getting this surgery should have a dental exam as well.  Is that correct?

[CCF CARDIO MD JMF]

Dear Linda,

We would recommend a dobutamine stress echo and a cardiac  catheterization as well as routine blood work, ECG an CXR.

[allan]

Thanks for the question Linda since I will be undergoing mv repair in the next few weeks.  One to add to yours,  Since most with regurgitation take antiobotics prior to dental, will we need to take them prior to having this procedure done.  I am having the TEE done in the next few days and hopefully it will show that the minimal invasive technique will we available to me, hope the same for you.  Thanks again

[DENISE]

Hi Linda and Allan,

I had MVP repair done at the Cleveland Clinic just this past June.  I chose to have all my tests done at the Clinic because I live close and I didn't want any procedures done twice. They did perform blood tests and an echo twice (once on first visit and the other 4 days before surgery) before the actual surgery.  From what I understand they did the TEE during the surgery - I did not have to have it beforehand.  I also understood them to say they would have accepted a heart cath or other tests done by my cardiologist if I had had them.

I was told by a nurse at the Clinic that I probably would not need a heart cath because I was only 46 (50 is the cut off age).  But, after I obtained my family history, I did need to have a heart cath to rule out any other problems that may be encountered during surgery.  Basically, they don't want any surprises.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at ***@****.  I would be happy to help - there's a lot of little things doctors and nurses just can't possibly cover but that those of us who have "been there" like to share.

Denise