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Question:
Is mitral valve repair a good option for me?
I have moderate mitral stenosis, also had an ablation in 1991, so am now pacemaker dependent. Is mitral valve repair a good option or should I opt for replacement valve?
submitted by Annie from Bude, Cornwall, United Kingdom, on 10/30/09
Answer:
by Texas Heart Institute surgeon, James J. Livesay, MD
Mitral stenosis can be treated wtih either mitral valve repair or replacement with a prosthetic valve. The decision generally depends upon the appearance of the valve on echocardiogram and at surgery. Valve repair is usually reserved for lesser degrees of valve pathology where the leaflets are still flexible and not heavily calcified. The choice of valve repair or replacement also depends upon the age of the patient, whether or not atrial fibrillation is present, and whether or not anticoagulation is needed. Prosthetic valve replacement with a mechanical valve as well as the presence of atrial fibrillation usually require lifelong anticoagulation with Coumadin (Warfarin). Because of the variety of choices to be made, the decision is best made after consultation with a cardiac surgeon.
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Updated November 2009
