Why is it important to have surgery at a center with a large experience in mitral heart valve repair?
Mitral heart valve repair is generally preferable to mitral heart valve replacement. Benefits attributed to mitral heart valve repair include improved long-term survival, better preservation of heart function, lower risk of blood clots and infection affecting the valve, and avoiding the need to take Coumadin (a blood thinner). Mitral heart valve repair is more challenging than mitral heart valve replacement, and experienced surgeons are more likely to be able to repair the heart valve and ensure an excellent outcome. At the Porter Institute, 96.5% of patients with mitral regurgitation, regardless of cause, undergo repair not replacement compared to a national average of only 44.3%. (As reported by Patrick M. McCarthy, MD, “Evolving Concepts and Technologies in Mitral Valve Repair.
Mitral heart valve repair is generally preferable to mitral heart valve replacement. Benefits attributed to mitral heart valve repair include improved long-term survival, better preservation of heart function, lower risk of blood clots and infection affecting the valve, and avoiding the need to take Coumadin (a blood thinner). Mitral heart valve repair is more challenging than mitral heart valve replacement, and experienced surgeons are more likely to be able to repair the heart valve and ensure an excellent outcome. At the Porter Institute, 96.5% of patients with mitral regurgitation, regardless of cause, undergo repair not replacement compared to a national average of only 44.3%. (As reported by Patrick M.
