Robotic Mitral Valve Repair

Mitral Valve Disease
The mitral valve is a complex structure that controls blood flow through the left side of the heart. When open, the mitral valve allows blood to flow into the heart’s main pumping chamber, the left ventricle. When the left ventricle contracts to push blood through the body, the mitral valve closes to prevent blood from flowing back toward the lungs. The mitral valve may be abnormal from birth or become damaged from infection or coronary artery disease.

A damaged mitral valve cannot completely seal the heart’s left ventricle. With an incomplete seal, blood can escape the left ventricle and flow backwards through the mitral valve. This conflicting force can make the heart work harder, leading to further mitral valve damage and other potential complications such as congestive heart failure.

Robotic Mitral Valve Repair
Surgical repair involves delicate reconstruction of native valve tissues in order to restore proper function. The most common approach to repair requires the surgeon perform a sternotomy to obtain direct access to the heart. In the majority of cases, this is the most optimal method because it provides the surgeon with the best vision and access to the mitral valve. In some cases, however, it may be possible to use a minimally invasive robotic surgery approach.

The decision to perform minimally invasive mitral valve surgery is complex and involves a discussion between our surgeons and a cardiologist. The cardiologist performs echocardiography to determine if the valve disease can be treated with a minimally invasive approach. To find out if you are a candidate for robotic mitral valve repair, please contact our front office to schedule an appointment with one of our surgeons.