Mitral Valve Repair

Advanced Mitral Valve Repair Surgery

The first recorded surgery on a heart valve took place in 1913. Today, approaching 100 years of heart valve procedures, surgeons have much better technology to assist with surgery and much better surgical techniques. Of the four valves that keep a human heart working, the mitral valve controls blood flow from the left atrium into the left ventricle. The mitral valve can become narrowed as a result of rheumatic fever or it may become "incompetent" or leaky as a result of degeneration or infection. Patients with mitral regurgitation are often asymptomatic for long time periods. When symptoms develop, they may include atrial fibrillation, diminished exercise capacity, fatigue, difficulty breathing and heart palpitations.

That’s where Paul E. Seifert, MD, FACS, comes in. Dr. Seifert performs complex mitral valve repairs using the techniques he learned from French heart surgeon Dr. Alain F. Carpentier, the world’s leading expert on mitral valve repair.

Mitral Valve Repair vs. Replacement

The superiority of repair over replacement is now well-established. Replacement valves are either mechanical or bioprosthetic (made from natural animal tissue). Mechanical valves will last the lifetime of the patient, but require lifelong anticoagulation with Coumadin®. Bioprosthetic valves will last more than 20 years and are recommended for patients over 55 years of age.

Successful mitral valve repairs rely heavily on the skill and experience of the surgeon. Dr. Seifert has had excellent outcomes with his mitral valve patients, including those who require concomitant coronary artery bypass surgery or a Maze procedure for atrial fibrillation.

At West Suburban Cardiothoracic Surgery in Waukesha, Wisconsin, you’ll find cardiovascular expertise you can count on. Dr. Seifert is a board-certified fellow of the American College of Surgeons and American College of Chest Physicians and is highly experienced in all aspects of cardiovascular surgical care. He looks forward to the opportunity to help your mitral valve patients regain a normal quality of life.

For more information or to schedule a referral, please call Dr. Seifert at (262) 522-6900.

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