Is surgery necessary for severe mitral regurgitation?
Dec 06, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Introduction
Significant mitral regurgitation does not necessarily require surgery. Surgical intervention is indicated for patients with severe mitral regurgitation who have clinical symptoms, or those who are asymptomatic but have pulmonary hypertension (mean pulmonary artery pressure >50 mmHg), newly developed atrial fibrillation, or left ventricular dysfunction (left ventricular ejection fraction ≤60% or left ventricular end-systolic diameter ≥45 mm).
Severe mitral regurgitation does not necessarily require surgery; clinicians will choose an appropriate treatment plan based on each patient's specific condition.
The indications for mitral valve surgery include three categories of patients: those with severe mitral regurgitation who have clinical symptoms; those without symptoms but with pulmonary hypertension (mean pulmonary arterial pressure greater than 50 mmHg); and those with newly developed atrial fibrillation or left ventricular dysfunction (left ventricular ejection fraction less than or equal to 60% or left ventricular end-systolic diameter greater than or equal to 45 mm). Common surgical treatments for mitral regurgitation include mitral valve repair and valve replacement, but not every patient with severe mitral regurgitation requires surgery. Clinicians will thoroughly evaluate the patient’s condition and overall health status to determine whether surgical intervention is necessary.
Patients with severe mitral regurgitation are advised to seek prompt evaluation at a cardiology department in a hospital and receive appropriate management under the guidance of a qualified physician.
