Mitral valve annuloplasty is a surgical procedure designed to repair a damaged or dysfunctional mitral valve, which is located between the left atrium and left ventricle of the heart. The mitral valve can become insufficient or stenotic, causing problems with blood flow and heart function. During annuloplasty, a surgeon adjusts or reinforces the ring-like structure surrounding the valve, known as the annulus, to restore proper valve function. This is typically done by placing a flexible ring or band around the annulus to stabilize and reshape the valve, improving its ability to close tightly and prevent blood from flowing backward into the left atrium. The primary symptoms of mitral valve dysfunction that prompt this procedure include shortness of breath, fatigue, irregular heartbeats, and swelling in the legs or abdomen. Patients may also experience chest pain or discomfort and a feeling of palpitations. If left untreated, severe mitral valve insufficiency or stenosis can lead to more serious complications such as heart failure or pulmonary hypertension. Mitral valve annuloplasty aims to alleviate these symptoms by restoring the valve's function, enhancing the heart's efficiency, and improving the patient's overall quality of life. Post-surgery, patients might experience some discomfort or temporary symptoms as they recover, but the procedure generally has a favorable outcome with a significant improvement in symptoms and heart function.
