does anyone know?

jax · May 12, 2009

does anyone know whether they do minimally invasive mitral valve replacements?

I am counting down to surgery on the 28th and will not meet the surgeon until the 27th. he specializes in minimally invasive surgery and i know that it all depends on the patient whether a minimally invasive procedure can be done. Does anyone know what exactly it depends on and how the doctor makes the decision whether you are a candidate for minimally invasive surgery?

my family keeps asking whether i will be able to get a minimally invasive surgery and i have to keep telling them the same thing because i don't know. And i know i won't know for sure until i talk to the surgeon. just trying to get an idea of why one person is a candidate and another may not be.

Thanks for any input.
Jax

ponytaila1a · May 12, 2009

The Cleveland Clinic site has a section on minimal invasive procedures. I was offered minimal invasive open chest....or minimal invasive through the rib.....I know two people in FL who have had the valve replaced through a side entry.....minimal invasive.

Try ClevelandClinic.org........they are having a web chat in early June addressing minimal invasive....you can register to ask as many questions as you want.

marie · May 12, 2009

I'm not sure what qualifies a minimal invasive procedure however from what I understand if you have any blockages they repair those at the same time and have to do open chest for that.

jax · May 12, 2009

I am having my procedure done at cleveland clinic and i asked the cardiologist that read the echo if i may be able to have a minimally invasive procedure. he said it may be possible but wouldn't say more than that. Will they decide once they do the heart cath whether i will be a candidate? My heart cath is on May 26th only 2 days before surgery. Been trying to find information on it but i don't see where it says how they determine whether you are a candidate on it or not.

Jkm7 · May 12, 2009

Yes., they do. My surgeon offered me that as an option for my second OHS. I opted for open chest....same as I had first time and was happy I did. It gave him the most room to work to attempt a repair. I wanted him to try repair, of course, but my biggest nightmare was a failed repair which, of course, would mean a third surgery for me. In the end, by him doing open chest, I knew I had the best shot at the best repair so was very accepting about replacement.

I would say your cath will give your surgeon far more info with which to make his decision re: minimally invasive, particularly if it shows you require a bypass.

jax · May 12, 2009

I guess that it is going to be another waiting game that i am going to have to play. I hope that they can do a minimally invasive surgery because everything that i have read says there is less pain, bleeding and less risk of infection if they can. Not to mention that the recovery time is shorter. I have a hard time being stuck in the house so the sooner i can get going again the better for me. Has anyone had a minimally invasive procedure? And if so how long did it take you to return to work? My job is a pretty strenuous job and although i am not going to go back before i am ready to i am looking forward to getting back because that means that i am feeling so much better.

lb151 · May 12, 2009

I had the mini for both a repair 11 years ago and then my replacement last year. The same doctor did both and told me both times he would try to do the mini but never promised he could. Its his speciality. I think the recovery time is less and much less pain afterwards.

ponytaila1a · May 12, 2009

I believe if you ask the surgeon (have you had a consult with him yet?) he will review the records and advise you. My surgeon has me scheduled for a mini....but like Lou said...he will not guarantee that will be the method. He said he reviews the situation the AM of surgery and does "whatever is safest"......A friend of mine was told he would not be able to have the mini and then the AM of surgery they did the replacement mini with the robot. I would call your surgeon's office.