Expert Mitral Valve Replacement in Central California
Mitral valve replacement is a common treatment option for mitral valve disease, a group of heart conditions in which the mitral valves do not work properly. The mitral valve allows blood to flow from the left atrium into the left ventricle. Replacing the faulty valve is one of the best ways to restore normal blood flow throughout your heart.
Expert cardiologists at Dignity Health perform mitral valve replacement in Central California at three convenient heart care centers. Find a Doctor at one of the locations below to learn if replacing your mitral valve is best for your heart health:
Why You May Need a Mitral Valve Replacement
A misshapen or narrowed mitral valve can prevent proper blood flow, leading to chest pain, shortness of breath, and high blood pressure in your lungs. Some people are born with faulty valves, while others develop heart conditions after certain illnesses.
Mitral valve replacement may be recommended if you have mitral valve prolapse, which causes blood to leak (regurgitate) back into the heart. A new valve would allow blood to flow in a healthy, one-way direction. Your Dignity Health Central California doctor may also recommend this procedure if you have mitral valve stenosis, or narrowing of the valve. This condition is commonly caused by untreated rheumatic fever, a complication of strep throat.
In some cases, the broken mitral valve can be repaired. Your doctor will determine if repair or replacement is best for you.
Treatment for Mitral Valve Disease at Dignity Health Central California
Mitral valve replacement may be a minimally invasive procedure or open heart surgery. During minimally invasive mitral valve replacement, your surgeon accesses your heart through small incisions on your chest. With the help of robotic surgical instruments, the faulty valve will be removed and replaced with a new one.
During open heart surgery, the surgeon makes a long incision in your chest to expose the heart to replace the valve.
Many people prefer a minimally invasive option because it offers a quicker recovery and uses smaller incisions. However, not everyone is a good candidate for this approach. Many things, including previous heart surgeries, can determine if minimally invasive valve replacement is safe for you.
Recovery After Mitral Valve Replacement
After your surgery, you will stay in our specialized cardiac unit where a team of heart care specialists can monitor you. Once you’re stable, you’ll finish recovering in a regular hospital room. Your cardiac care team will give you thorough instructions to ensure the quickest and safest recovery.
Mitral valve replacement can relieve shortness of breath and restore your energy. Trust the cardiologists at Dignity Health Central California for quality heart valve surgery.
Dignity Health Central California offers expert mitral valve replacement in Bakersfield and Stockton, CA.