Minimally Invasive mitral valve surgery is generally preferred over open mitral valve surgery, for patients requiring intervention. Both repair and replacement of the mitral valve can be performed through a minimally invasive approach.
Whilst replacement surgeries are often much easier for a surgeon to perform, mitral valve repair, where possible, is much more beneficial for the patient. Repairing the patient’s own valve means that the implantation of an artificial valve is completely avoided, therefore the patient does not require any anticoagulation (blood-thinning) medication. Mitral valve replacement also helps maintain a strong function of the left ventricle (main pumping chamber of the heart). Where replacement of the valve would require the implantation of a mechanical or tissue valve (ref page 14), the repair is simply the surgical correction of the patients own, existing valve. Performing Minimally Invasive mitral valve repair surgery requires high levels of training and experience, with only a handful of surgeons across India having mastered this procedure. Dr Baburaj is well experienced in performing Minimally Invasive Mitral valve repair surgery, with consistently good outcomes..
A 5 -7 cm inch cut is made on the right side of the chest (right thoracic cavity, shown). Surgery is performed using the assistance of either a video thoracoscope or the Davinci Robotic system. If the valve is significantly damaged or thickened (with calcification), it may not be repairable. In these circumstances, a replacement using a tissue or mechanical valve would be necessary.
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