How to do an OMV

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This case had significant mitral stenosis and Grade II MR an LA clot and a history of CVA.. The patient underwent a mitral valve repair which required significant mitral commissurotomy, posterobasal chordal release, pseudocleft closure that resulted in perfect competence on both apical saline insufflation and epicardial echocardiography. The patient had clot removal and and an emaze done.
I have photographed the main steps viz
Valve analysis
Traction sutures on leaflets and crossing them to enhance the definition of the commissures.
Marking the end of the commissure and the mitral veil with a stab with a 11 No Blade.
Hooking of the subvalvar with a Mixter and division of the fused commissure with a 15 No blade and proceeding to divided inferiorly into the subvalvar while cautiously "sharing" subvalvar structures bilaterally to both AML and PML.
The process is repeated on the opposite side.
In this case post commissurotomy the residual leak was judged to be from a pseudocleft between P2 and P3 which was closed (Usually is not required with pure MS).

This picture set shows how to treat pericardium. Click on the image to see a bigger image.

So you are considering getting your valve repair done

As I said , valve repair is the preferred modality for treatment of leaking mitral valves. Unfortunately a lot of these are replaced. For example in the US only 30 % of valves are actually repaired and most are replaced. Valve repair takes an additional skill set and more analysis of the valve. Unfortunately, it also involves a bit of art in addition to science and a conviction to spend a bit of extra time if you want to do it. Thus many surgeons prefer to take an easier path and replace valves. I would suggest that you discuss with your surgeon and cardiologist the possibility of valve repair .

Mitral valve repair

Hi, I am a cardiac surgeon and am making a blog for the first time. I am interested in mitral valve repairs
Mitral valve repairs are done for valves that are damaged and are judged amenable to repair. This is superior to valve replacement as it allows preservation of the patients own valve and has been associated with better survival, less complications and better long term results.