Mitral Valve Repair
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 5, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
What you need to know about mitral valve repair (MVR):
MVR is surgery to fix a damaged or diseased mitral valve. The mitral valve normally opens and closes to let blood pass through the heart. If your mitral valve is damaged, blood may not flow as it should through your heart.
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How to prepare for MVR:
- Your surgeon will tell you how to prepare. Your surgeon may tell you not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of your surgery. Arrange to have someone drive you home when you are discharged.
- Tell your surgeon about all medicines you currently take. Your surgeon will tell you if you need to stop any medicine for the surgery, and when to stop. Your surgeon will tell you which medicines to take or not take on the day of surgery.
- Tell your surgeon about any allergies you have, including to anesthesia or medicines.
- You may need an echocardiogram (echo) before surgery. An echo is a type of ultrasound that uses sound waves to show the structure and function of your heart. This will help your surgeon plan your surgery.
- Your surgeon will tell you if you need any other tests before your surgery, and when to have them.
What will happen during MVR:
- You will be given general anesthesia to keep you asleep and free from pain during surgery. Your surgeon will make 1 or more incisions on your chest. The size and location of the incisions will depend on the type of repair and your risk for complications. Your heart will be connected to a bypass machine. This machine keeps blood out of your heart during surgery and pumps blood through your body.
- Your surgeon will use a device to tighten or strengthen the annulus (ring of tissue) around the valve. The device will be sewn into place. Your surgeon will then repair any other part of the valve that is damaged. Your surgeon may use echo during surgery to check the valve.
- Your surgeon will disconnect the bypass machine when the valve starts to work as it should. Your incisions will be closed with stitches or staples and covered with bandages.
What to expect after MVR:
- You will be taken to a recovery room until you are fully awake. Healthcare providers will monitor you closely for any problems. You will need to stay in the hospital for up to a week, depending on your condition.
- Talk to healthcare providers before you get up the first time. They may need to help you stand up safely. When you are able to get up on your own, sit or lie down right away if you feel weak or dizzy. Then press the call light button to let healthcare providers know you need help. You may need to hold a pillow against your incision when you move in and out of bed. This will help decrease pain.
Risks of MVR:
You may bleed more than expected or develop an infection. Your repaired valve may stop working. The leaflets (flaps) of the valve may not move as they should. You may need more surgery to fix or replace the valve or leaflets. Your symptoms may return, even after surgery. You may have an increased risk of heart attack or stroke. You may develop a blood clot or irregular heartbeat. These can be life-threatening.
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US), or have someone call if:
- You have any of the following signs of a heart attack:
- Squeezing, pressure, or pain in your chest
- You may also have any of the following:
- Discomfort or pain in your back, neck, jaw, stomach, or arm
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or vomiting
- Lightheadedness or a sudden cold sweat
- You have any of the following signs of a stroke:
- Numbness or drooping on one side of your face
- Weakness in an arm or leg
- Confusion or difficulty speaking
- Dizziness, a severe headache, or vision loss
Seek care immediately if:
- Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
- Your heart is beating faster or slower than usual.
- Your stitches or staples come apart.
- Blood soaks through your bandage.
Call your doctor or surgeon if:
- You have a fever.
- Your surgery site is red, swollen, or draining fluid.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
You may need any of the following:
- Beta blockers help control your heart rate and rhythm.
- Blood thinners help prevent blood clots. Clots can cause strokes, heart attacks, and death. Many types of blood thinners are available. Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions for the type you are given. The following are general safety guidelines to follow while you are taking a blood thinner:
- Watch for bleeding and bruising. Watch for bleeding from your gums or nose. Watch for blood in your urine and bowel movements. Use a soft washcloth on your skin, and a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth. This can keep your skin and gums from bleeding. If you shave, use an electric shaver. Do not play contact sports.
- Tell your dentist and other healthcare providers that you take a blood thinner. Wear a bracelet or necklace that says you take this medicine.
- Do not start or stop any other medicines or supplements unless your healthcare provider tells you to. Many medicines and supplements cannot be used with blood thinners.
- Take your blood thinner exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not skip does or take less than prescribed. Tell your provider right away if you forget to take your blood thinner, or if you take too much.
- Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
- NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Care for the surgery site as directed:
Do not get the site wet until your surgeon says it is okay. When it is okay to bathe, do not scrub the area. Just let water run over it. Gently pat the area dry and put on new, clean bandages as directed. Change your bandages when they get wet or dirty. Do not put powders or lotions over your incision. Check the area every day for signs of infection, such as swelling, redness, or pus.
Self-care:
- Follow activity instructions. Do not lift anything heavier than 5 pounds or do vigorous activities. Do not drive until your surgeon says it is okay. These actions will put too much stress on your incision. Ask your surgeon which activities are safe for you to do. Also ask when you can return to your usual activities such as work or school.
- Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can cause lung and heart damage. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your provider before you use these products.
- Limit or do not drink alcohol. Ask your surgeon if it is okay for you to drink alcohol. Alcohol can increase your risk for high blood pressure, liver problems, and coronary artery disease. Your surgeon will tell you how many drinks are okay to have within 24 hours or within 1 week. A drink of alcohol is 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1½ ounces of liquor.
- Eat heart-healthy foods. You may need to eat foods that are low in salt, fat, or cholesterol. Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meats, and fish. Ask your surgeon for more information about a heart-healthy diet.
Follow up with your doctor or surgeon as directed:
You will need regular tests to check your valve. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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