WHAT IS IT? Mitral/Tricuspid Valve Repair

ABOUT Mitral/Tricuspid Valve Repair

If mitral/tricuspid valve repair is an option for you, the surgeon may need to reshape your heart valve. This is called an annuloplasty procedure. During an annuloplasty, the surgeon may also need to repair the leaflet tissue, remove calcium deposits, or repair the tough chords that control movement of the mitral and tricuspid valve leaflets. These chords are also called chordae tendineae . In most cases, repair is more successful if there is limited damage to certain areas of the valve.

For mitral/tricuspid valve repair, one of the following procedures is done:

• Reshaping of the valve by removing excess valve tissue
• Attaching the valve to its chords
• Adding support to the valve annulus by adding tissue or by sewing a band or ring around the outside of the valve

Some patients may feel physically better following valve surgery because they are no longer impacted by the symptoms of their valve disease.

Valve Repair with an Annuloplasty Ring or Band

An annuloplasty ring or band is made up of durable plastic, metal, and fabric. It may be rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible. Rings and bands are designed to maintain the natural shape, motion, and flexibility of your annulus. The rings or bands may also contain a radiopaque marker that makes it possible for the healthcare professional to see them on an x-ray.