Mitral Valve Prolapse
Surgery
Most people with mitral valve prolapse do not need surgery. Surgery is usually needed only for the small number of people who also have severe mitral valve regurgitation and a badly damaged mitral valve. This may cause the lower left heart chamber (ventricle) to malfunction, and symptoms of heart failure may develop. Although surgery is rarely required to treat MVP, it can be very effective.
Surgery choices
The main surgery options for people who have MVP and mitral valve regurgitation are mitral valve replacement or repair. These procedures are rarely performed on people who have MVP. But for some people who have MVP and mitral valve regurgitation, surgery can greatly improve the condition of the mitral valve. As with any surgery, risks are involved.
What to think about
Your doctor may recommend surgery for MVP based upon your risk for having complications.
Heart valve surgery alone will not correct any heart conditions, such as coronary artery disease. But it is possible to surgically treat some heart conditions during the same procedure for mitral valve repair or replacement, if necessary.
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| Author: | Robin Parks, MS | Last Updated: February 9, 2009 |
| Medical Review: | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine George Philippides, MD - Cardiology | |
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