Mitral valve replacement

Mitral valve replacement is a type of open-heart surgery to replace the mitral valve. It is usually performed because the mitral valve is leaking (mitral regurgitation), does not open properly (mitral stenosis), or is infected (endocarditis). Mitral valve replacement requires use of the heart-lung machine to allow your surgeon to stop the heart during the operation. The disease valve is cut out, and a new valve is sewn in its place.

After the operation, you will wake up in the intensive care unit. During the first few days after surgery, you will be monitored closely, and may have drains coming out of your chest, which collect air and fluid. You may also have a temporary pacemaker. These are usually removed in a few days as you recover from surgery.

Most people are in the hospital less than a week after surgery, and are discharged home once they can perform the activities of daily living independently. Some people benefit from physical therapy and rehabilitation, which can be outpatient or inpatient after surgery. It can take 2-3 months to fully recover from surgery.