Mitral Valve Repair

Mitral valve repair is a surgical procedure that treats the outflow valve of the heart.

The mitral valve is one of the heart’s four valves that ensures blood flows in the correct direction. Mitral valve disease occurs when this valve does not function properly, which can lead to heart failure and other complications if left untreated.

Mitral valve prolapse is the most common valve abnormality of the heart, affecting up to 1 in 10 people. Most people with mitral valve prolapse have no symptoms or very mild symptoms and require no treatment.

Cardiac surgeons at WashU Medicine

Heart surgeons at WashU Medicine see patients at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, one of the top hospitals in the nation for heart and vascular care, as well as convenient locations across the region.

Call us: 314-362-7260

Mitral valve prolapse

Mitral valve prolapse occurs when the leaflets of the mitral valve bulge (prolapse) into the left atrium during the heart’s contraction.

This condition can sometimes lead to mitral valve regurgitation, where blood leaks backward into the left atrium.

While mitral valve prolapse is often benign and symptomless, in some cases, it may require medical management or surgery.

Risk factors

Risk factors for mitral valve disease include:

Family history of heart valve disease: Having relatives with heart valve disease may increase your likelihood of developing the condition due to genetic predisposition.
Age-related changes in the heart: As you age, the tissues of the heart valve can degenerate, leading to mitral valve disease.
Congenital heart defects: Some individuals are born with structural heart abnormalities that can affect the mitral valve.
Infective endocarditis: An infection of the heart valves can damage the mitral valve, leading to malfunction.
Rheumatic fever: This inflammatory disease, often following strep throat, can cause long-term damage to the heart valves, including the mitral valve.
Connective tissue disorders: Disorders like Marfan syndrome can weaken the connective tissues supporting the mitral valve, causing it to function improperly.
Prior history of mitral valve prolapse: Having mitral valve prolapse can eventually lead to more severe mitral valve disease if not properly managed.
Previous heart surgeries or procedures: Surgical interventions involving the heart can sometimes affect the function or structure of the mitral valve.
High blood pressure: Chronic hypertension puts extra strain on the heart valves, including the mitral valve, potentially leading to disease.
Autoimmune diseases: Diseases such as lupus can cause inflammation and damage to the heart valves, including the mitral valve.

Understanding these risk factors can help in the prevention and early detection of mitral valve disease.

Treatment options

WashU Medicine offers comprehensive treatment options for mitral valve disease, including mitral valve prolapse, ranging from medical management to advanced surgical procedures.

Our experts are skilled in both traditional open-heart surgery and minimally invasive techniques to repair or replace the mitral valve, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care tailored to their specific needs.

Minimally invasive surgery, including robotically assisted surgery, often results in less pain, shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery times than traditional open surgery.

Our team is a national leader in minimally invasive and robotic mitral valve repair, meaning you have experts in your corner who can offer the latest advances in heart care.

Get a second opinion

Our Heart Second Opinion Program was created for patients diagnosed with any heart condition, or for patients who have been told they need a heart-related surgical procedure.

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Screening and diagnosis

Early detection of mitral valve disease is crucial for effective management.

Regular screenings are important for people at higher risk, including those with a family history of heart disease, existing heart conditions, or lifestyle factors that increase cardiac risk.

Diagnostic tools such as echocardiograms, electrocardiograms (EKGs) and cardiac MRIs are employed to accurately assess the condition of your mitral valve.

Mitral valve repair procedure

Mitral valve repair is a meticulous surgical procedure that involves:

Administering anesthesia to ensure patient comfort
Accessing the heart through a small incision or minimally invasive techniques
Repairing the valve using specialized methods such as leaflet repair, chordal transposition, or annuloplasty

Once the repair is completed, the incision is closed and the patient is carefully monitored during recovery to ensure successful outcomes and minimize complications.

Potential complications and recovery

As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications, including infection, bleeding, stroke, or arrhythmias.

Our team at WashU Medicine is committed to minimizing these risks through meticulous surgical techniques and comprehensive preoperative evaluations.

After surgery, patients will receive thorough care instructions and follow-up appointments to ensure a smooth recovery.

Adhering to prescribed medications, lifestyle changes, and regular check-ups are vital to maintaining heart health and preventing chronic conditions.

Heart & Vascular Center

Achieving excellence through patient care, research and education is the mission of the Washington University and Barnes-Jewish Heart and Vascular Center.

Our team of physicians and nurses are committed to improving heart and vascular health through their expertise, collaboration and compassion.