The mitral valve is the valve between the collecting chamber of the heart, where the blood comes from the lungs, and the left side of the heart which is the main pumping chamber.
Heart surgeon Dr. Mike Moulton explains the process of repairing or replacing the mitral valve. Repairing or replacing the valve can become necessary when the valve becomes floppy, or prolapsed. When that happens, the faulty valve allows blood to leak past. The most common symptom is shortness of breath. Over time, people may feel tired as well.
Patients needing a replacement valve have options. A mechanical valve or a biological replacement valve, typically taken from a pig's heart.
Patients typically stay in the hospital 56 days after valve replacement surgery. Complete recovery may take several months.
For more information about the cardiac surgery program at The Nebraska Medical Center, call 18009220000 or visit http://www.nebraskamed.com/heart.