Mitral Valve Replacement (MVR) Surgery

Before undergoing mitral valve replacement, patients undergo a comprehensive evaluation to assess heart function and overall health. Diagnostic tests such as echocardiography, ECG, chest X-rays, and blood tests are performed to determine the severity of valve disease. In many cases, coronary angiography is also conducted to check for any associated coronary artery blockages. Doctors carefully review the patient's medical history, including conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or kidney disease, to minimize surgical risks. Patients are advised to follow preoperative instructions, including fasting for several hours before surgery and adjusting medications such as blood thinners under medical supervision. Lifestyle modifications, such as quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy diet, are recommended to improve surgical outcomes.

On the day of surgery, the patient is taken to the operating room, where general anesthesia is administered, ensuring a pain-free and unconscious state throughout the procedure. A breathing tube is inserted, and the patient is connected to a ventilator to support breathing. In traditional MVR surgery, the surgeon makes an incision in the chest and opens the breastbone to access the heart. A heart-lung machine is used to maintain blood circulation while the heart is temporarily stopped. The damaged mitral valve is carefully removed and replaced with a new mechanical or biological valve. In minimally invasive approaches, smaller incisions are made, often between the ribs, and specialized instruments are used to perform the procedure without opening the entire chest. Once the new valve is securely in place, the heart is restarted, and the incision is closed.

After mitral valve replacement surgery, patients are closely monitored in the intensive care unit for the first 24 to 48 hours. Vital signs, heart rhythm, and oxygen levels are continuously observed to ensure stability. Patients may initially require ventilator support until they are able to breathe independently. Pain management, infection prevention, and wound care are essential components of post-operative recovery. Patients are gradually encouraged to move, sit, and walk within a few days to improve circulation and prevent complications. Medications are prescribed to support heart function and, in the case of mechanical valves, to prevent blood clot formation through long-term anticoagulation therapy. The hospital stay typically ranges from 5 to 7 days.