EXPERTS AGREE that advances in medicine and technology have made mitral valve repair a preferred alternative to mitral valve replacement.

However, despite its advantages, the majority of mitral valve surgery patients still receive a valve replacement instead of a repair. In many cases, the patient is advised to proceed with the riskier replacement surgery simply because mitral valve repair requires a significantly higher level of training and complex surgical experience not available at all hospitals.

REPLACEMENT VS. REPAIR: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
When the mitral valve, a dual-flap valve in the heart that lies between the left atrium and the left ventricle, is leaking, patients have two surgical options: mitral valve replacement or mitral valve repair.

Defective mitral valves have traditionally been replaced with artificial plastic or animal tissue valves during open-heart surgery. This complex surgery is effective in restoring the proper flow of blood through the heart. However, the insertion of an artificial plastic or tissue valve carries significant risks. Valve replacement patients face increased chances of stroke and hard-to-treat, dangerous infections. If a plastic artificial valve is used, patients will have to take blood-thinning medications for the rest of their lives. Furthermore, the average animal tissue valve will wear out in 10-15 years. This will present the necessity of a second major surgery when the patient is older and, most likely, not able to recover as easily.

On the other hand, valve repair surgery preserves the natural valve tissue as the surgeon uses a variety of techniques to correct the patient’s own valve and restore it to working order. Valve restoration largely protects the patient from many of the complications experienced with valve replacement, and experts agree that a valve repair is a safer surgical option for older patients with valve disease who may present a higher risk for surgery and infection due to other heath issues.

There are instances where damaged valves cannot be repaired. Some underlying causes of mitral valve malfunction also make valve replacement necessary.

RESULTS OF MITRAL VALVE REPAIR SURGERY
Valve repair surgery offers patients the best long-term results. According to a report from the Society for Thoracic Surgeons, a majority of patients (85% - 95%) will not require further valve surgery over the next 10 years following a valve repair. Research indicates that percentage is similar at the 20 year milestone. “Patients who undergo mitral valve repair not only avoid the potential morbidity associated with artificial valve replacement, but, in most cases, the repair will allow the patient to regain a normal life expectancy,” said M. Arisan Ergin, MD, Chief of the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Englewood Hospital and Medical Center. He suggests that valve repair often allows patients to return to a better quality of life – as symptoms of valve disease are no longer an obstacle to pursuing a healthy and active lifestyle.

MITRAL VALVE REPAIR AT ENGLEWOOD HOSPITAL
The cardiothoracic team at Englewood Hospital has established an international reputation of excellence. The experience and success of the Medical Center’s top cardiac team, which has performed thousands of procedures together over the course of many years, gives patients the best chance for a successful surgical outcome. Of all New Jersey hospitals, Englewood Hospital’s cardiac team performs among the highest proportion of complex cardiac procedures, such as multi-valve repair, aneurysm/aortic dissection repair and endovascular thoracic aneurysm graft (TAG) repair.

Renowned valve repair expert Jock N. McCullough, MD, a Cardiothoracic Surgeon at Englewood Hospital, cautions patients not to settle for a valve replacement when their mitral valve is leaking. “Many patients who are candidates for a valve repair are advised to have a replacement instead, which subjects them to unnecessary risks and diminishes their chances to resume a normal life. Where you have your mitral valve surgery first makes all the difference in long-term results.” He adds that successful mitral valve repairs are performed in more than 90% of Englewood’s patients who suffer from valve malfunction not caused by rheumatic disease.

ARE YOU A CANDIDATE FOR VALVE REPAIR?
Research suggests that early surgical intervention, particularly if repair is possible, may prevent irreversible damage to the heart. The decision to undergo any mitral valve surgery should be made only after a patient carefully considers risks and benefits of the procedure with their doctor.

For more information about mitral valve surgery and other cardiac services available at Englewood Hospital and Medical Center, call 201-894-3636 or visit www.bestheartdocs.com.

Click here for a PDF of our Cardiothoracic Surgery Brochure.