(MVR) Mitral Valve Replacement

1. What is Mitral Valve Replacement?

MVR replaces a damaged or diseased mitral valve when valve repair is not suitable or is unlikely to provide a durable result. The new valve helps restore proper blood flow through the heart.

2. When is it Recommended?

It may be recommended when the mitral valve is severely leaking or narrowed, or has been significantly damaged, particularly when it affects heart function or causes symptoms. Common causes include mitral regurgitation (leaking valve), mitral stenosis (narrowed valve) and rheumatic heart disease.

3. What Symptoms May a Patient Notice?

Patients may experience breathlessness, tiredness, palpitations, reduced ability to exercise, swelling of the feet or ankles or difficulty breathing when lying down. Some patients may have few or no symptoms despite significant valve disease.

4. What Does the Treatment Involve?

The diseased valve is removed and replaced with a new valve by a specialised cardiac surgical team, usually under general anaesthesia. The operation is generally performed using a heart-lung machine.

5. What Are the Main Treatment Options?

The replacement may involve a mechanical valve or biological (tissue) valve. Selected patients may also be considered for minimally invasive or transcatheter procedures, depending on their valve anatomy, age and overall health.

6. How Long Does Treatment & Recovery Take?

Hospitalisation after surgical MVR is commonly around 5–10 days. Recovery at home generally takes around 6–12 weeks, although the exact duration depends on the patient's condition and surgical approach.

7. What Are the Important Risks or Considerations?

MVR is an established cardiac procedure, with outcomes depending on the patient's age, valve disease, heart function and overall health. Published studies report risks including bleeding, infection, stroke, kidney complications and abnormal heart rhythms. Mechanical valves generally require lifelong anticoagulation (blood-thinning medication).

8. Why Consider Treatment in India?

India has specialised cardiac centres performing large numbers of valve replacement and complex cardiac procedures, supported by experienced cardiac surgeons, cardiologists, cardiac anaesthesia teams and dedicated cardiac intensive-care facilities. Centre and surgeon experience are important considerations when selecting treatment.

9. How Can Medavelle Help?

Medavelle can assist with cardiac report and echocardiography review, cardiologist and cardiac surgeon coordination, hospital selection, valve and treatment planning, international patient arrangements and follow-up coordination.

10. What Should the Patient Do Next?

Share your cardiac reports → Cardiologist & cardiac surgeon evaluation → Mitral valve assessment → Treatment recommendation → Treatment planning in India.