Dignity Health: Offering Mitral Valve Repair in the Central California Region

Mitral valve repair may be recommended to repair a leaking (regurgitant) mitral valve or as a treatment for a narrowed mitral valve (stenosis). Compared to a full replacement, mitral valve repair offers a lower risk of complications and better preservation of your heart’s function. It also may eliminate your need for long-term use of blood thinners.

If you or a loved one is experiencing shortness of breath or fatigue from a damaged mitral valve, an experienced cardiac surgeon can treat your condition with mitral valve repair in the Stockton region at Dignity Health’s St. Joseph's Medical Center. To receive exceptional care, Find a Doctor today.

Are You Eligible for Mitral Valve Repair?

Your mitral valve is located between the two left chambers of your heart and allows blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle. Conditions that limit this healthy flow of blood are mitral valve stenosis (narrowing) and mitral valve prolapse (leaking or regurgitation). Your doctor may recommend mitral valve repair if the damage to your mitral valve is not severe and doesn’t require a full valve replacement.

Mitral valve repair offers the following benefits: 

• Lower risk of stroke and infection
• No need for lifelong use of blood thinners
• Improved survival rates (both early and late)
• Better preservation of heart function

Speak with a trusted doctor at Dignity Health to see if you’re a candidate for mitral valve repair.

Types of Mitral Valve Repair Procedures

St. Joseph's Heart & Vascular Institute performs several types of mitral valve repair surgeries.

These include:

• Balloon valvuloplasty: A thin, flexible instrument is inserted into a large artery in the groin and guided to the mitral valve. A tiny balloon is inflated on the end of the catheter to widen the mitral valve and improve blood flow.
• Ring annuloplasty: A small incision is made in the chest. A device called an annuloplasty ring, made of sturdy fabric, is sewn around the mitral valve to help support the valve leaflets (flaps of tissue).
• Valve repair: A surgeon makes makes small incisions in the chest to access the mitral valve and reshapes or rebuilds the valve leaflets so they work better.

Mitral Valve Repair Recovery

Recovery from mitral valve repair may last from a few days up to a week. Your care team will provide clear instructions on how to care for your incision, which prescription medications to take, and a list of activities that are safe to perform while you heal.