Mitral valve repair for severe mitral regurgitation: The way forward?

Simon Ray, John Chambers, Christa Gohlke-Baerwolf, Ben Bridgewater

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    Severe primary mitral regurgitation (MR) has a poor outcome if left uncorrected. Successful mitral valve repair has the unique potential to restore normal life expectancy and is superior to valve replacement. Despite this, mitral repair is performed relatively infrequently and many patients with potentially reparable valves have a replacement instead, subjecting them to unnecessary risk. Surgery in asymptomatic patients is a particularly difficult issue with some units advocating surgery irrespective of symptoms, based purely on the severity of regurgitation. This strategy cannot be widely adopted with the current patchy provision of high-quality valve repair surgery. Misplaced enthusiasm for early operation runs the risk of a failed repair and the hazards of a mechanical prosthesis. To ensure optimal treatment for patients with MR, cardiologists must be aware of the indications for valve repair and ensure that patients with potentially reparable valves are referred to surgeons with proven expertise, even if this means a shift from established practice. Surgical units need to promote subspecialization and rigorously audit their outcomes. There are currently no agreed standards for best practice in mitral valve repair and this is an area where professional societies may wish to take a role. © The European Society of Cardiology 2006. All rights reserved.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)2925-2928
    Number of pages3
    JournalEuropean Heart Journal
    Volume27
    Issue number24
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Dec 2006

    Keywords

    • Mitral regurgitation
    • Mitral valve
    • Mitral valve repair
    • Surgical outcomes

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