This heart procedure involves the repair of the mitral valve which leads to the left atrium. Most patients that require the operation notice one or more symptoms including chest pain, coughing or shortness of breathe and fatigue, especially after light physical exercise.

The cause is a damaged valve which means that blood is not accessing the left side of the heart correctly and may even be draining into the lung which causes a dramatic increase in pressure on the heart. Wear and tear, heart disease, rheumatic fever and bacterial infection are all identified causes of the condition.

Procedure information
A mitral-valve operation means either repair or replacement of the valve. Repair is a simpler operation of manipulation of the existing valve depending on the defect, while complete replacement means choosing between a mechanical metal and pyrolytic valve and one made of animal tissue. The latter only lasts between 10 and 15 years compared to a mechanical valve which lasts forever.

The operation is invasive requiring a general anesthetic and an incision in the left side of the breast. A further incision is then made in the left atrium to access the valve while the patient is supported by a heart-lung machine. Once the valve has been repaired or replaced, the heart is restarted, sometimes by electric shock, before the chest is closed.

Recovery time
A mitral-valve operation, in which the faulty valve is repaired, poses fewer risks than when the valve is completely replaced. The patient is taken to an intensive care unit immediately afterwards, usually for 1 or 2 days, before being taken to a normal ward for a further week.

Blood thinners are always taken afterwards, with those that opt for a mechanical valve requiring such treatment for the rest of their lives compared to between 1.5 and 3 months in the case of biological valves. Most patients will take between 1 and 2 months to recover depending on any complications or side effects.