Mitral Valve Repair & Replacement
A Minimally Invasive Procedure from Our Surgeons
The mitral valve is necessary to keep blood moving from the lungs and through the heart. When this valve is too hard or too loose, blood is prevented from flowing normally, which may result in serious complications such as chest pains, shortness of breath, and heart failure.
When you need information on your heart condition, email the Los Angeles cardiovascular surgeons at Azmi Atiya MD to schedule a consultation.
Understanding the Procedure
Mitral valve surgery usually lasts between two to four hours with a hospital recovery time of about three to five days, depending on the extent of your operation. Repair and replacement surgeries have high success rates and are generally safe for most otherwise healthy patients.
Mitral valve surgery is done under general anesthesia. It involves:
- Small cuts in the chest or to the groin artery
- Robot-assisted, or endoscopic, cameras and surgical tools
- Reinforcing the valve with metal or cloth
- Rebuilding the valve out of titanium, carbon, or human or animal tissue
It is important that you speak with your surgeon and let him or her know of any medications you are currently taking as well as the extent of your symptoms. We can advise you on the best course of action before, during, and after your procedure to help you minimize risks.
Benefits of Minimally Invasive Mitral Surgery
Minimally invasive procedures involve less pain, less risk of complications and infection, and the potential for a shorter recovery time. Complications like excessive bleeding or clots are rare. Furthermore, if your valve is repaired or replaced with donated tissue, you may not even be required to take blood thinners. At Azmi Atiya MD, our Los Angeles cardiovascular surgeons have the skill and practice to perform your surgery to help you maintain a healthy heart. We make sure that all follow-up appointments are performed with the attention to your recovery that you deserve after surgery.
To learn how we can help you, contact our office at (818) 561-7426.