Is mitral valve repair surgery painful?

Is mitral valve repair surgery painful?

You will be asleep during the operation and will feel no pain. Some surgeons may prefer to perform the surgery through a small incision in the breastbone (sternum) or under the right pectoral muscle in your chest – these are called minimally invasive procedures.

How long does mitral valve surgery take?

The surgery may take 2 to 4 hours. This surgery can sometimes be done through a groin artery, with no cuts on your chest. The doctor sends a catheter (flexible tube) with a balloon attached on the end. The balloon inflates to stretch the opening of the valve.

How is a valve repaired in mitral valve replacement surgery?

In mitral valve repair surgery the patient keeps their own valve and a number of techniques as described above are used to repair the valve so it functions normally again. In mitral valve replacement surgery, the patient’s valve is essentially cut out and a new valve put in.

When to return to work after mitral valve surgery?

After mitral valve repair or mitral valve replacement surgery, you may be able to return to daily activities, such as working, driving and exercise. Your doctor will discuss with you when you can return to activities. You’ll generally still need to take certain medications. You’ll need to attend regular follow-up appointments with your doctor.

How is failure rate of mitral valve determined?

Failure rates of mitral valve repair are determined principally by the original dysfunction (posterior leaflet, anterior leaflet and bi leaflet) and by repair technique. The longest term follow-up available is for conventional ‘Carpentier’ techniques.

What to expect during minimally invasive heart surgery?

What you can expect 1 During the procedure. In minimally invasive heart surgery, surgeons access the heart through small cuts (incisions) in the chest, as shown in the top two images. 2 Mitral valve repair. 3 Mitral valve replacement. 4 After the procedure. …

In mitral valve repair surgery the patient keeps their own valve and a number of techniques as described above are used to repair the valve so it functions normally again. In mitral valve replacement surgery, the patient’s valve is essentially cut out and a new valve put in.

When to have an echocardiogram after mitral valve replacement?

Degeneration isn’t likely in the first 10 years after a tissue mitral valve replacement. But, afterwards this it is increasingly likely to occur with each year that passes. For this reason it is recommended that after 10 years, even if there are no symptoms or clinical signs of concern, that an echocardiogram is performed to assess the valve.

When do you wake up after a mitral valve replacement?

You will begin your recovery in the intensive care unit or a recovery room. When you wake up, you might feel confused at first. You might wake up a couple of hours after the surgery, or a little later. Most people who have mitral valve replacement notice immediate symptom relief after their surgery.

How long can you Drive after a mitral valve repair?

Patients are placed on a blood thinner called Coumadin for 4 weeks after the repair. If a full sternotomy is performed where the chest is cut open down the middle then there should be no heavy lifting for 8 weeks. Driving can usually be resumed after 2-3 weeks.