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Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)

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Dr. Gammie’s Bio Image

Get answers to your Mitral Valve Repair questions.

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Note: This is for informational purposes only. Doctors cannot provide a diagnosis or individual treatment advice via e-mail. Please consult your physician about your specific health care concerns.

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Heart valve surgery - Recovery

Alternative Names

Valve replacement; Valve repair; Heart valve prosthesis

After the Procedure:

The success rate of heart valve surgery is high. The operation can relieve your symptoms and prolong your life.

The death rate averages 2% to 5%, depending on the heart valve. About 2 of every 3 patients who received an artificial mitral valve are still alive 9 years after the surgery.

The clicking of the mechanical heart valve may be heard in the chest. This is normal.

Outlook (Prognosis):

You will stay in an intensive care unit for the first 2 or 3 days following the operation. Your heart functions will be monitored constantly. The average hospital stay is 1 - 2 weeks. Complete recovery will take a few weeks to several months, depending on your health before surgery.

  • Reviewed last on: 5/15/2008
  • Robert A Cowles, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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