Mitral Valve Surgery

Services

Understanding
Mitral Valve Surgery

Minimally Invasive & Open Heart

The mitral valve is crucial for maintaining proper blood flow between the left atrium and ventricle of the heart. When this valve becomes diseased — leading to conditions like mitral valve regurgitation or mitral valve stenosis — surgical intervention may be necessary to repair or replace the valve.

Approaches

Minimally Invasive

Mini-Thoracotomy

A 4-6 cm incision between the 2nd and 3rd ribs without touching the chest bone.

Favoured by patients for its minimal invasiveness.

Totally Endoscopic Surgery

Performed through a tiny incision (3-5 cm) between the ribs, without cutting or mobilising any bone.

Utilises an endoscopic camera for enhanced precision.

Open Heart

Full Sternotomy

Involves a vertical incision along the chest to open the chest bone.

Provides the surgeon with a direct and unobstructed view of the heart and mitral valve.

Allows for comprehensive treatment of complex heart conditions that may not be suitable for minimally invasive techniques.

Conditions Treated

Surgery is recommended for patients with:

Minimally Invasive

Open Heart

What to expect

Before Surgery

Minimally Invasive & Open Heart

  • Thorough assessment including medical history, physical examination, and advanced imaging (e.g., echocardiogram, CT scan).
  • Consultation with (Adj) Professor Theo Kofidis to explore minimally invasive & open heart options, their potential benefits & risks, and if patient qualifies for minimally invasive surgery.
During Surgery

Minimally Invasive

  • General anaesthesia is administered.
  • Precise repair or replacement of the mitral valve through small incisions, minimising tissue trauma.

Open Heart

  • General anaesthesia is administered.
  • Mitral valve repair or replacement performed through open-heart surgery, which involves opening the chest cavity.
After Surgery

Minimally Invasive

  • Usually 1 day in ICU & 3-4 days in general ward.
  • Faster mobilisation and return to daily activities.
  • Follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress and overall cardiac health.

Open Heart

  • Usually 2 days in ICU & 5-7 days in general ward.
  • Slower mobilisation while in recovery.
  • Follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress and overall cardiac health.

Benefits

Minimally Invasive

Smaller Incisions

Less pain & quicker recovery period.

Minimal Scarring

Results in smaller scars that are less visible.

Faster Mobilisation & Improved Recovery

Regain strength and mobility faster, allowing you to resume normal activities sooner.

Less Infection

Smaller incisions reduce the risk of post-surgical infections, leading to safer recovery.

Less Blood Loss

Minimises blood loss, decreasing the need for transfusions.

Less Trauma

Reduced physical trauma to the body facilitates quicker healing and less post-operative pain.

Less Arrhythmia

Lowers the likelihood of irregular heartbeats, enhancing overall cardiac stability post-surgery.

Better Lung function in the early stage

Preserving chest structure promotes improved lung function and breathing capacity shortly after surgery.

Better Cosmetic Effect

Smaller incisions result in less visible scarring, maintaining a more natural appearance.

Open Heart

Suitability in certain complex & high-risk cases

In cases where the heart anatomy is complex or the valves are severely diseased, open heart surgery may offer a more reliable option for complete valve repair or replacement.

Disclaimer: Individual symptoms, conditions, circumstances, and outcomes related to heart surgeries and cardiovascular health may vary. The information provided on this website is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment specific to heart conditions. Always consult with your cardiologist or a qualified healthcare provider regarding your particular heart condition and the appropriate medical or surgical treatments.

Contact Us

Are you ready to take the next step in your heart health journey? Our team at Theo Kofidis Cardiac Surgery is here to ensure a smooth and supportive experience from start to finish. Contact us to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.