Aortic vs. mitral

[Marge]

The other day I ran across something (I think on valvereplacement.com, but I am not sure whether it was here, or, if it was, where exactly it was) about aortic valve surgery vs. mitral valve surgery. Something about mitral valve surgery being more complex (and risky???) than aortic valve surgery, because of the respective locations of the two valves within the heart. Did I understand correctly?

I had never really thought about any difference between the two types of surgeries b4. I was just wondering -- do whatever differences there might be translate to any differences in recovery (speed, ease, etc.)? Or is it all just a completely individual thing, depending on the person?

 

[Nancy]

Recovery was about the same for both, for Joe. The HeartPort mitral repair had a few days shorter recovery in the initial phase, and less sternum soreness, of course.

 

[Lisa in Katy]

The mitral valve is actually inside the heart and is generally larger, so they have to cut into the pericardium and heart muscle to replace it. The aortic valve is outside the heart and smaller and they have to cut through the aorta to get to it. I'm no surgeon, but I know that insurance companies pay more for mitral replacement that aortic replacement, if that means anything. However, people who have aortic replacement often need root replacement, which runs the price up some. I wonder if mitral repair/replacements are more likely to experience pericarditis, effusion, etc. due to the cut through the heart.

 

[bvdr]

I know the mortality rates for mitral valve replacement are a little higher than for the aortic valve but both of them are very low. As far as if certain types of complications are more common with one valve surgery over the other I don't know. I don't think I ever ran across that in my readings.

 

[Karlynn]

Marge,
Just keep saying your Julian of Norwich quote (which, by the way is one of my favorites!).

Everyone is a different case, whether it be aortic or mitral. Maybe the aortic valve is a bit easier, but there are so many factors that go into recovery. I was so physically trashed before my surgery, my recovery was long. There are "mitral valvers" on this site who seemed to bounce back pretty quickly.

I'll be looking forward to hearing from you after your surgery and your reports on how you are coming along nicely!

 

[Mb]

Hello!

Interesting post.....My husbands cardio AND surgeon both told him that it was more length to recover from a mitral valve surgery, than aortic, as the heart did have to be opened up to install the new mitral valve. (BTW, he had two valves installed). They both told him his recovery would be slower, AND to not let other cardio's or doctors, or lay people attempt to compare his recovery to by-pass. By-pass patients are totally different, and recover much quicker than valve patients. I don't know if this is true, as I personally don't know of anyone who had a multiple by-pass. I think a lot depends on age, and condition of the person having the procedure done. Both of my husbad's doctors are highly respected professionals in Boston and practice as Mass General. - Marybeth