MyCareQuestions Clinicians
Alessia Rossi, MD, MBSS
Essex Cardiothoracic Centre, London Bridge Hospital- HCA, The Wellington Hospital- HCA
Ishtiaq Ahmed, BSc (Hons) MBChB PhD FRCS (C-Th)
Royal Sussex County Hospital, London Bridge Hospital, Versorium Clinic Sussex
David Rose, MD, MBBS, PhD
Spire Manchester Hospital, Circle Health Group, Alexandra Hospital Manchester, Lancashire Cardiac Centre, Blackpool Victoria HospitalWhat is a Mitral Valve Surgeon?
A mitral valve surgeon is a cardiac surgeon who specialises in operations on the mitral valve. This valve sits on the left side of the heart and helps blood flow in the right direction.
Most patients are referred when the valve is leaking badly, is narrowed, or has become damaged by infection or wear over time. The surgeon works closely with cardiologists, imaging specialists and anaesthetists to decide whether the best option is repair, replacement, or in some cases continued monitoring.
A strong mitral valve service will usually aim for repair whenever possible, because repair can preserve more of the heart’s natural function and may avoid the need for a lifelong artificial valve.
Table of Contents
Ready for Your Specialist Consultation?
Generate a personalized, clinical summary PDF to guide your next doctor's visit.
Common conditions treated by a Mitral Valve Surgeon
Mitral regurgitation: the valve leaks, so blood moves backwards inside the heart instead of forwards as it should.
Mitral valve prolapse: one or both valve leaflets bulge backwards, sometimes leading to leakage.
Mitral stenosis: the valve becomes narrowed and does not open properly, restricting blood flow.
Degenerative mitral valve disease: age-related or tissue-related changes that affect the valve’s structure.
Functional or secondary mitral regurgitation: the valve leaks because the heart chamber has enlarged or weakened.
Infective endocarditis affecting the mitral valve: infection can damage the valve and sometimes makes surgery urgent.
Failed previous mitral surgery: some patients need a redo operation or a second opinion on a previously repaired or replaced valve.
Common procedures and treatments
Mitral valve repair: the preferred option in many patients when the valve can be fixed safely and durably.
Mitral valve replacement: used when the valve is too damaged to repair reliably.
Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery: selected patients may be suitable for surgery through smaller incisions rather than a full breastbone incision.
Robotic mitral valve surgery: offered in some specialist centres for carefully selected cases.
Annuloplasty ring implantation: a ring may be used to reshape and support the valve during repair.
Leaflet, chordal or commissural repair: the surgeon may repair the leaflet tissue or the supporting strings of the valve.
Team discussion of non-surgical options: in some patients, the surgical team will also discuss catheter-based alternatives such as transcatheter edge-to-edge repair.
When should you see a Mitral Valve Surgeon?
You may be referred if a scan shows severe mitral regurgitation or severe mitral stenosis, even if you are coping reasonably well day to day.
Common reasons for referral include breathlessness, tiredness, reduced exercise tolerance, palpitations, atrial fibrillation, or signs that the heart is starting to enlarge or weaken.
A surgical opinion is often most useful before the heart muscle has been damaged. Early referral can help you understand the timing of surgery rather than waiting until symptoms are advanced.
What to expect at your first appointment
Your first consultation is usually about understanding the valve problem clearly and deciding whether surgery is needed now, later, or not at all.
Your surgeon will review your echocardiogram and may also look at CT scans, MRI scans, or a transoesophageal echo if you have had one.
They will ask about symptoms, fitness, previous heart problems, dental health, infections, lung disease, kidney disease and any previous chest surgery.
You should expect a balanced discussion about repair versus replacement, surgical risk, likely recovery time, and whether a minimally invasive approach may be realistic in your case.
Top 5 questions to ask your Mitral Valve Surgeon
What exactly is wrong with my mitral valve – is it leaking, narrowed, or both?
Why you should ask this:
Is my valve likely to be repaired, or do you think replacement is more realistic?
Why you should ask this:
How urgent is surgery in my case, and what happens if I wait?
Why you should ask this:
Would I be suitable for a minimally invasive or robotic approach?
Why you should ask this:
What results does your unit achieve for mitral valve repair, and how often do you perform this operation?
Why you should ask this:
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a cardiologist and a mitral valve surgeon?
Is mitral valve repair better than replacement?
Do all patients with mitral regurgitation need surgery?
Can mitral valve surgery be done without fully opening the chest?
How long is recovery after mitral valve surgery?
Ready for Your Specialist Consultation?
Generate a personalized, clinical summary PDF to guide your next doctor's visit.
