Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery

[karoq2019]

Hi Everyone.

I'm a newbie so forgive me for asking questions that you may have already asked or answered. I am 72 years of age and just been diagnosed with 'Severe Mitral regurgitation and offered the option of a Mini Mitral Valve repair, as part of the UK Mini Mitral. Whilst clearly the option of a minimally invasive surgery is a bonus, my issue is that at present I am asymptomatic (no symptoms). Obviously it's not going to get better and logically I should go ahead but the surgeon has suggested 3-month reviews should I delay presently.

The other considerations I would like your thoughts on are, there is no guarantee that the valve could be repaired by this type of surgery and if unsuccessful would still have to have a conventual sternotomy.

I also have to make a decision on the type of valve (if unable to repair) mechanical or organic. I wondered if someone of my age has had either and their thoughts on it. Also the longevity of each, I understand mechanical lasts longer but you have to take warfarin for the rest of your life.

Ultimately the final decision is mine but if would be extremely helpful if someone in or around my age group had been through these difficult decisions and how they proceeded pre/post operatively.

Thank you in advance for your considerations.

[Nathan53]

Hello Maria I am sure you will get some replies from people with first hand knowledge. I have no real personal knowledge of the issues you raise but did see some research including an informative video in the attached link and hope you find it useful if you are not already aware of it ctsnet.org/article/uk-mini-....

You can also discuss questions with a BHF Nurse on 0300 330 3311

[karoq2019 in reply to Nathan53]

Thanks Nathan for the speedy reply, everything is useful in helping my decision!

[Nathan53]

ctsnet.org/article/uk-mini-...

Apologies for 'Maria' blame it on my predictive txt. Also this is the correct link above.

[Nathan53]

Hello karoq I just viewed a post (posted today by 'scratchfire' ) about minimally invasive mitral valve replacement. Checkout the post you may be interested.

[karoq2019 in reply to Nathan53]

Hi Nathan

Thanks for the info, looked but cannot find it, where is it exactly?

[Nathan53 in reply to karoq2019]

Hi karoq The post I was referring to was posted on here 2 days ago by a member called scratches. If you click on the heading at the top of this page 'members' then enter scratch fire in the search field you can see scratchfire's profile and his post offering advice. On another point my earlier reply above contained a link to a video. Just touch the link and it should take you to the video. Hope this helps but message if he if any further problem

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Hi Karoq and welcome to the forum. I am wearing my analytical scientist head here. If you have a tissue valve it will probably need replacing in 10 - 15 years time. You will then be in your mid- eighties - not an ideal age for major surgery. Some of the latest tissue valves have a predicted 25 year lifetime - note predicted. My recommendation would therefore be a mechanical valve that should outlast you. With respect to Warfarin hundreds of thousands manage it - home monitoring makes it easier for many these days. Good luck!

[karoq2019 in reply to MichaelJH]

Hi MichaelJH

Thank you for your reply, I appreciate your thoughts and clearly I would hope to have just one op and not another down the line. I've a few weeks before I need to make the choice however 25 tears (predicted) at my age sounds good on paper, although 15 years do too. Again many thanks.

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to karoq2019]

Whilst 15 years may sound good now it might appeal less 14 years time! As they say "The main group of people who want to live to be 100 are 99 year olds"!

[karoq2019 in reply to MichaelJH]

Fair comment Michael!

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I was on warfarin for five months and as an active person I found it quite a burden. Any injury just never really heals and you bruise all the time and bleed everywhere with the tiniest cut.I'm 57 and wondering if I will have to make the same choice as you in the not too distant future.