What is MVR?

Mitral Valve Replacement or MVR is a surgical procedure where the diseased mitral valve of the heart is replaced with a mechanical or artificial valve. The heart has four valves and the mitral valve’s purpose is to regulate the blood flow through the heart to the rest of the body.

You might need to undergo MVR if you show symptoms of any of the following:

• The mitral valve has become narrowed leading to a condition known as mitral valve stenosis
• The valve has a leak, which is known as mitral regurgitation
• Mitral valve diseases such as collagen disease, calcification and infection
• Other cardiac conditions such as heart failure or coronary artery disease

What happens during the MVR procedure?

There are two approaches to MVR – open heart surgery and minimally invasive cardiac surgery. Your doctor will determine the best procedure for you depending on your condition. During the open heart surgery, the doctor will gain access to your heart by opening up your chest. A heart-lung machine is used to pump blood as your heart is stopped. Heart is opened and the mitral valve is removed. It is replaced with an artificial valve which is sewn into the cardiac tissue. The incision is closed and the heart is restarted. The chest is closed and incisions on the skin are sutured.

The minimally invasive cardiac surgery involves the use of specialized surgical tools. The doctor makes small incisions in your chest through which the specialised instruments reach your heart. A small incision is made on the heart so the mitral valve can be accessed. It is removed and replaced and the incisions are closed.