after surgery

  Had surgery to repair mitral valve 6/23/98.  Have since developed leaky aortic valve. Am scheduled for a transesophogeal echo soon.  Cardiologist thinks new leak possibly due to repair...surgeon said impossible.  What are the possible explanations for a sudden aortic valve problem? (TEE prior to surgery showed no leaking of aortic valve)  Thanks.
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Dear Elaine:
Mitral valve repair has evolved into the preferred surgical method to treat mitral valve leaks.  It is not unusual to develop a mild degree of leakiness of the aortic valve from a mitral valve repair.  This is because the mitral valve repair by necessity changes the geometric relations of the heart; this frequently results in a mild degree of aortic valve leakiness that usually causes no problems to the patient.  More severe degrees of aortic valve leakiness would not be expected from a mitral valve repair.
Information provided here is of a general nature only.  Specific diagnoses and treatments can only be provided by your doctor.  If you wish to be seen at the Cleveland Clinic, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE for an appointment at the F15 desk with a cardiologist who specializes in valve disorders.