You may need surgery if your mitral valve does not work properly.
A mitral valve that does not close all the way will allow blood to leak back into the left atria. This is called mitral regurgitation. A mitral valve that does not open fully will restrict blood flow. This is called mitral stenosis. A valve defect that you have had since birth is called mitral valve prolapse.
You may need open heart surgery for these reasons:
Changes in your mitral valve are causing major heart symptoms, such as angina (chest pain), shortness of breath, fainting spells (syncope), or heart failure. Tests show that the changes in your mitral valve are beginning to seriously affect your heart function. Your doctor may want to replace or repair your mitral valve at the same time as you are having open-heart surgery for another reason. Your heart valve has been damaged by endocarditis (infection of the heart valve). You have received a new heart valve in the past, and it is not working well, or you have other problems such as blood clots, infection, or bleeding.
Who needs Mitral valve surgery (open)?
You may need surgery if your mitral valve does not work properly.
A mitral valve that does not close all the way will allow blood to leak back into the left atria. This is called mitral regurgitation. A mitral valve that does not open fully will restrict blood flow. This is called mitral stenosis. A valve defect that you have had since birth is called mitral valve prolapse.
You may need open heart surgery for these reasons:
Changes in your mitral valve are causing major heart symptoms, such as angina (chest pain), shortness of breath, fainting spells (syncope), or heart failure. Tests show that the changes in your mitral valve are beginning to seriously affect your heart function. Your doctor may want to replace or repair your mitral valve at the same time as you are having open-heart surgery for another reason. Your heart valve has been damaged by endocarditis (infection of the heart valve). You have received a new heart valve in the past, and it is not working well, or you have other problems such as blood clots, infection, or bleeding.