Let us have a brief discussion on the procedure of minimal invasive mitral valve surgery. Firstly the patient’s cardiac monitoring is taken note of and then general anesthesia is given. The surgeon uses a sternotomy to access the heart. Then the bypass is instituted. A cross clamp is then applied to the aorta to stop the flow of blood. Then an opening is made in the heart by the surgeon in order to look into the mitral valve. There are two ways to visualize the mitral valve. That is either through the left atrium or by opening the right atrium.With the help of the images below, you can have a clear picture of the series of steps invol ved in this operation.
Figure A shows the incision made in the patient’s chest along the sternum. Figure B shows the heart that is connected to a heart-lung machine, and an incision is made into the right atrium or the left atrium. Figure C shows the mitral valve. The figures D and E illustrate how the section of the mitral valve is removed. Finally the figure F shows a fabric ring that is stitched outside the mitral valve. The following video will take you to the procedure of mitral valve surgery.
Minimal invasive mitral valve repair is the latest surgical technique that is employed in order to avoid major open heart surgeries. This minimal invasive mitral valve surgery comprises of making very minute incisions that is, incisions of around 3-4 inches and all this is done when you are given a general anesthesia.
Benefits
There are many benefits of employing this particular method. They are,
- Lesser chances of the patient being prone to infections.
- Lesser loss of blood.
- Lesser pain as compared to the traditional method.
- Recovery at a better and a faster pace.
- Low rate of scarring as compared to the obsolete methods.
Always keep in mind that special care should be given to many factors before and after you undergo this surgery. When you have an option of repairing your mitral valve rather than replacing it, then why not go for it? All the best and wish you a healthier life.