Surgery Scheduled for October 29th.

[Lucidus]

Hello all. I'm just a new poster here and I just got back from the surgeon and have Mitral Valve Repair/Replacement (for server Mitral Valve Regurgitation) scheduled for October 29th. I just wanted to run some details by you to see what you thought.

My surgeron told me that my posterior leaflet has the problem and there from the TEE there is no obvious sign of any chordae tears. He said it is most likely a repair job but there are no guarantees. If they do have to use a valvue, they use the ATS valve which is like the St. Jude valve. That's not the plan - but he said there are no 100% guarantees with medicine. I guess he has done around 100 repairs and studies with some surgeon in France who was apparently some sort of pioneer in this procedure. Do you know who I'm talking about?

They do not yet do any type of minimally invasive surgery, but prefer to have the whole chest open in case there are any complications. Also he told me I'd be in the hospital about 5-7 days and in the operating room 4-5 hours. With about 2 of those hours on the bypass machine.

He told me this is not urgent and I could probably pick my season to have it done, but I'd prefer to get it over with! I guess my heart is about 4-6 mm over normal in size but otherwise all heart functions are normal.

Does all that he told me sound good and normal? Do you see anything he told me that seems off base, etc?

Just checking! My wife and I feel pretty good about him, but you guys are such a great source of information!

Thanks much!
-Tim
31 years old
Mitral Valve Prolapse (since 18) with now severe regurgiation and a slightly enlarged heart with normal functions.

 

[Nancy]

Hi Tim-

It all sounds pretty normal to me. I put you on the calendar, so it full speed ahead now!

 

[ALCapshaw]

I have no knowledge of Mitral repairs so the only comment I can make there is that it may be worth while to interview one or two other surgeons who are also experienced in this area if you want to get a broader basis for your selection. Did you go to Mayo Clinic? The Cleveland Clinic is another good place to check.

I would agree with his recommendation for the full sternum cut. As he said, it give him plenty of room to 'do his thing' which is always good, and, many surgeons are finding that there is often LESS PAIN assiciated with the full cut than a partial cut. Apparently there is a LOT of stress at the end of the cut in the partial cut which makes sense.

'AL'

 

[weekycat]

Hi Tim

Hi Tim

I had my mitral valve repaired 5/30/02. Just past the 3 month mark! Mine was also for severe mitral regurgitation, and my heart had started to enlarge. I go in for my 3 month check on Wed. and hopefully will find out whether or not it's normal size now.

Where in MN do you live? I live in Princeton, MN and had my surgery done by Dr. William Northrup at Fairview Southdale in Edina. He's very good, and told me prior to surgery,"I'm pretty sure I can repair it, because.... I usually can". He gave me a 95% chance of being able to repair mine and was successful. However he also said that at my age, (44) that the only real option if I did need replacement was a mechanical, since the tissue ones don't usually last more than 10 years. He never did give me the specifics on which one. I guess I didn't think to ask.

It wasn't an easy repair either, since BOTH of my leaflets needed repair, and I also had two ruptured chordae.

When I went for my 1 month check-up he told me this repair should last me a lifetime.

I did have to be on Coumadin for 8 weeks, but I'm all done with that now.

If I can be of further assistance, let me know. My email address is: [email protected] Good luck, Jean

 

[Zazzy]

Hi Tim,
I am a survivor in the mitral repair world. My regurg was severe and I also have dilated cardiomyopathy. My surgery was done Oct. 3, 2001 (almost 2 years ago gang!!!).

My wonderful surgeon did a mini sternomety on me... my scar is only about 4 inches long! My general surgeon (who did my mastectomy) said that he had never seen a mini quite like mine... that it is upside down. My heart surgeon did this so that I could wear low cut shirts and dresses without a visible scar, but did caution me that if a replacement was in order then he would have to do a full incision.

My valve was very tattered but he was able to repair it.

It is good that you and your wife are comfortable with the surgeon.

Good luck with your surgery and keep us updated.

Take care,
Zazzy