Using Mitral Valve Surgery To Solve Leaflet Problems

When blood arrives at your heart from the inferior and superior vena cavae, it enters the right atrium. When that chamber contracts, blood is pushed into the right ventricle. From there, blood moves to your lungs to pick up oxygen before flowing into your left atrium. When your left atrium contracts, blood flows to your left ventricle where it remains until it moves into your aorta.

This flow is controled by a series of valves. Each can develop problems which might pose symptoms. The severity of the problem dictates how noticeable the symptoms are. Below, we’ll take a look at how these valves work before focusing primarily on the mitral valve (MV). You’ll learn about the problems that can form and how mitral valve repair (MVR) is performed to correct them.

Valves And Leaflets

As blood flows from each chamber, it does so through one of four valves. Each has a specific job: open to allow blood through and close to prevent backflow. For isntance, the MV is is found betwen the left atrium and left ventricle. When the atrium contracts, the valve open to allow blood to flow into the ventricle. Then, it closes to prevent blood from flowing back into the atrium. All four valves work in the same manner.

Each valve has a set of leaflets, or flaps. The mitral valve only has two while the others have three. Usually, these flaps should closely seal the entrance after blood as tlowed through them. Unfortunately, problems can prevent them from working properly.

Potential Problems That Can Form

The most commonly occuring issues that impact the MV’s leaflets are prolapse, calcification and stenosis. With prolapse, the flaps fail to close and seal properly. That allows a backflow problem. For instance, blood that travels throught the mitral valve into the left ventricle can flow back through the poorly sealed exit into the left atrium. This condition is often referred to as regurgitation.

Calcification describes an accumulation of calcium along the ring of the MV. If too much calcium builds up, it can prevent the leaflets from opening and closing effectively. In some cases, it can contribute to stenosis.

A stenotic mitral valve is one that does not fully open. That prevents blood from moving between your heart’s left atrium and ventricle. This condition is far less common and is nearly always a byproduct of rheumatic fever. Infection related to the illness causes the flaps to thicken, which narrows the passageway.

How Mitral Valve Repair Is Performed

Mitral valve repair is a surgical procedure that is used to repair problems affecting the MV’s leaflets. It can take several different forms depending on the nature of the disorder. For example, prolapse is categorized into two separate problems; one which affects the posterior flap and the other which affects the anterior flap. In the former case, a surgeon will perform a triangular resection. In the latter (a more difficult problem), the surgeon will do a chordal transfer.

Stenosis is handled a little differently. The surgeon may perform a procedure called valvuloplasty. In some cases, a scalpel is used to cut an opening into the mitral valve in order to allow blood to flow through. In other cases, a tiny balloon is affixed to a catheter and guided to the site. There, it is expanded to widen the opening. It is possible for patients suffering a stenotic mitral valve to experience a recurrence of the problem several years later. In such cases, the procedure can be performed again.

Doctors are increasingly using minimally invasive techniques to perform mitral valve repair. In doing so, this shortens the recovery period and reduces the risk of complications. As always, consult your physician to determine whether it is an appropriate course for your condition.