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When is mitral valve replacement necessary? Understand the cause!
Mitral valve replacement surgery is a common heart surgery designed to replace the diseased mitral valve to restore normal heart function. When there is a problem with this important valve, such as leakage or stenosis, replacement surgery may be necessary. This article will take an in-depth look at the causes, symptoms and treatment options for mitral valve disease, as well as the circumstances in which surgery is required.
"The health of the mitral valve is critical to overall heart performance."
Anatomy and function of the mitral valve
The mitral valve is located between the left atrium and left ventricle. Its main function is to prevent blood from flowing back from the ventricle to the atrium when the heart contracts. It consists of two parts, the anterior lobe and the posterior lobe, and its shape and structure are ideal for the normal functioning of the heart. Under normal circumstances, the opening and closing of the mitral valve provides critical support for blood circulation in the heart.
Main causes of mitral valve disease
Mitral valve disease can generally be divided into two main types: mitral stenosis and mitral atresia. Mitral stenosis is usually caused by rheumatic fever or age-related calcification, while mitral insufficiency may be caused by changes in the pulse, heart disease, or other structural problems that prevent the valve from closing effectively.
"Mitral valve stenosis will cause an increase in left atrial pressure, which may lead to a series of problems such as cardiac enlargement, hypertension, and atrial fibrillation."
Symptoms and diagnosis
Patients with mitral valve problems may experience a range of symptoms, including shortness of breath, fatigue, or heart palpitations. These symptoms, which are especially noticeable during exercise or changes in sleeping position, indicate that the heart is struggling to maintain normal blood flow. Based on these symptoms, doctors may perform cardiac ultrasounds and other imaging tests to determine specific problems with the valves.
Why mitral valve replacement
When mitral valve disease affects a patient's quality of life and other treatments fail to improve the condition, the surgeon may recommend mitral valve replacement surgery. This is usually reserved for patients with severely compromised valve function, particularly if there is severe leakage or significant stenosis.
"Surgery can be divided into mitral valve replacement and repair. Which one to choose depends on the patient's specific situation."
Types of Mitral Valve Replacement
There are two main types of artificial valves available for mitral valve replacement surgery: mechanical valves and biological valves. Mechanical valves are generally more durable, but require long-term anticoagulants to avoid blood clots. In contrast, biological valves are made of animal tissue. Although they do not require long-term use of anticoagulants, their lifespan is short and they can only maintain function for 10 to 15 years.
Surgery process and recovery
The surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia, with the surgeon entering the heart through a median incision in the sternum. After surgery, patients are usually monitored and recovering in the intensive care unit. Most patients are discharged from hospital within a few days with significant improvement.
Surgical risks and complications
Although the success rate of surgery is generally good, there are still certain risks. Possible risks include bleeding, infection, heart complications and more. Therefore, patients should fully understand all possible risks and benefits before deciding to undergo surgery.
"When considering mitral valve replacement surgery, it is important to understand your specific health conditions."
Transcatheter mitral valve replacement and minimally invasive surgery
With the advancement of medical technology, transcatheter mitral valve replacement and minimally invasive surgery are gradually adopted, reducing patients' pain and recovery time. These new methods provide new options for patients who are not candidates for traditional surgical procedures.
Conclusion
Mitral valve replacement is an important heart surgery that involves many considerations. Whether it's due to valve damage, resulting symptoms, or the patient's age and overall health, your doctor will recommend the most appropriate treatment. Nowadays, with the advancement of medicine, many patients can live a healthy life. Have you considered checking your heart health regularly to detect possible mitral valve problems?
