Mitral Valve

My mother had 3 surgeries to replace her mitral valve. Her first was when she was in her late 60's, I think. She was 80 when she had her last surgery. She came thru the surgeries just fine. There was a big difference in the length of time it took her to recover between the first and the second. Much better with the second. The procedure is probably even better now, 20 some years later.

Yes, the surgery was scary for all of us. First time I'd experienced anything so serious. But she came thru it just fine and had several years feeling better than she had in years.

Is it a trans esophogeal cardio echogram? It's similar to an ultrasound, I think. Again, it's done under anesthetic. I think probably twilight. Anesthetics are really good now. It is not life threatening. Last time I had anesthesia I woke up feeling so good I was sure I hadn't had surgery yet.

Another way that they look at the heart is by passing a catheter thru a vein found in the groin or the wrist. My mother's procedure was thru the groin. She had to stay in the hospital so that they could watch for bleeding. Mine was thru the wrist. Mine was a piece of cake. It was out patient and I had no difficulties afterward. Neither process is life threatening.

There are always risks with surgery. I am guessing the risks are greater when one is 80. Talk with the cardiologist and have him explain everything. I had surgery for lung cancer and the surgeon talked to me and a friend taking us thru the procedure step by step. Ask your FIL's doctor to talk with you. My mother's doctors talked to all of us anytime we had a question or concern. Shouldn't matter that he's a FIL, as long as he gives the doctor permission to do so.

Hello Page,
I work in this field, so I just wanted to give you a few insights. There are several problems associated with the mitral valve, not just prolapse. He could have stenosis or significant regurgitation of the valve. It is a good idea for him to have the transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)...I assist the cardiologist with this type of exam all the time, and while it is an invasive test, it is very rare to have a serious complication. He will be given either moderate sedation or anesthesia depending on the cardiologist and your FIL's risk factors. A probe about the size of your little finger is passed down the esophagus and sits very close to the heart, and therefore gives very clear images of the heart and mitral valve. This is a great way to see the mitral valve very well so the amount of stenosis or regurgitation can be quantified. Many times, a regular echocardiogram is done first, a problem is detected, and then a TEE is ordered for a clearer view. The TEE should tell the doctor whether surgery is necessary or not. There are risks, as with every test, but I truly have never seen anything bad happen to a patient. They will have a nurse monitoring vital signs throughout the procedure, and it is usually only about a 15 minute test once the patient has been sedated. So I wouldn't be afraid of that test at all...it is a great way to evaluate that valve very well.

As for the surgery, I would wait to see what the cardiologist says after the TEE. If he does need surgery, I'm sure they will order a cardiac work-up including a stress test to see if his heart is in good shape for the surgery. If his quality of life has gone down due to his valve, then the surgery is probably well worth the risks. It is a big surgery, but if he is healthy, he should do fine. Good luck to your FIL!

I have had the trans esophageal camera. It requires just a mild anesthesia and the patient is not completely sedated.
If he is healthy, he should do fine and feel much better. Just make sure you go to a major hospital with a doctor who performs that surgery routinely.

I don't know about the surgery - but the "trans esophogeal echo cardiogram" I do know about. They just put you to sleep so that your gag reflux doesn't kick in and make it impossible. It gives them a clearer picture from different angles. My daughter has had a few of them, one when she was 16 and in extremely critical condition. So - the only iffy part would be how well he tolerates anesthesia, the process itself is very simple.

I'm sure you mean "Mitral Valve Prolapse?"
This is common.

My Grandpa had surgery for it and got it replaced. When he was about in his 70's.
The surgery was fine, he did fine, and lived for many years afterward.
He died a natural death from old age. Not because of his heart.

My Grandpa, did not have any other health problems. Thus, the surgery went fine and he recovered fine. He was not in weakened health or a weakened condition.

It really depends, on if your FIL is healthy.. or has other health problems or concerns.

The esophagus scope, is fine. It is not invasive. But ask the doctor.
Each person is different.

My Dad, once had open heart surgery. In his 60's. BUT he was already in poor health, was weak, and had other health problems besides the heart problem. HENCE, his recovery was harder and more complications.

You must speak to the Heart Doctor, the Surgeon and the surgical team.
Ask any and all questions... before hand.

Hi Page - sorry to hear that your FIL is ill. It IS a major surgery, but since he has been healthy he should do well post surgery. You're also asking about a transesophageal echo - this is a simple procedure that takes a better look at the heart and also determines if there is a clot in the heart. The surgeon would not want to do surgery if there is a clot present - this is very routine. Depending on the type of valve your FIL receives will depend on if he would have to take a blood thinner from now on. There are blood thinners on the market now that do not require monthly blood testing. Prayers to your family for a speedy recovery.
P.

Hi Page,

My mom lived with mitral valve prolapse her entire 87 years. She never had a complication. Complications are rare and surgery was never brought to her as an option. Anesthesia is the most dangerous component of most surgeries at that age. The onset of dementia in a perfectly normal person is the side effect that doctors DO NOT tell you. You usually find that out from the nurses in recovery or rehab after it has happened.

Please make sure this is a critical need for surgery and ask if there are options. I did begin my mom on a heart supplement when she was 82...

Hope this helps.

M.

My grandmother had the camera down the throat thing done a few years ago, when she was in her early 70's. She reported back that it was pretty easy. She ended up having to stay in the hospital because they found some issues that needed correction, and her worst complaint was the hospital food. So I'd have to say that overall, the procedure was not traumatic for her.