"Is Robotic Mitral Valve Repair 100% Risk Free?" Asks Harvey
As you may already know, there are several, different surgical procedures used to correct valvular disorders (e.g. aortic stenosis and mitral valve prolapse). Accordingly, the patient - or their caregivers - typically develops a mental or written “question list” about each surgical option available to him or her.
Many of the questions I receive are about… patient risk. Those risk-related questions focus on a few, common themes including cardiac procedures, surgeons, valve replacement devices, surgery timing, recovery, age issues, hospital issues, mortality, etc.
In fact, I just opened an email from Harvey that reads, “Adam - Yesterday, I was diagnosed with severe mitral regurgitation due to ‘floppy mitral leaflets‘. The prolapsed valve needs to be fixed quickly, according to my cardiologist. It feels like a ton of bricks just landed on my head. I’ve been up all night researching my options and I was curious to know more about robotic surgery. Is robotic surgery more or less risky? I’ve read it might be 100% risk-free. Is that true? Thanks, Harvey”
In review of Harvey’s questions, I have three immediate thoughts for him:
- First off, Harvey is doing a great job of asking the right questions to prepare him for cardiac surgery.
- Second, I would encourage Harvey to get a second opinion to confirm his recent diagnosis. Too many patients (about 35%) forget about this critical step in the process.
- Third, I would suggest that no surgical procedure is 100% risk free. It doesn’t matter if the operation is heart-related or not, there are elements of risk in just about every single medical procedure out there. That said, the patient (or their caregiver) needs to effectively manage surgical risk.
The good news? Heart surgery mortality has decreased significantly over the past ten years. And, minimally invasive procedures - including robotic mitral valve repair surgery - continue to show encouraging results.
However, I have spoke with several patient that experienced surgical complications with just about every type of cardiac procedure - including complications from robotic mitral valve repair.
I wish I could tell Harvey that robotic surgery, or any cardiac procedure, was 100% risk free. But, unfortunately, I don’t think that is the case.
That said, make sure to do your homework BEFORE surgery. Make sure you ask the right questions. Make sure you find the right surgeon. Make sure you find the right hospital. Make sure you are comfortable with your cardiac procedure.
Ultimately, make sure you are 100% confident that you have mitigated as much of the risk as possible.
Keep on tickin!
P.S. To leave a comment, please click here.
About The Author: Adam Pick is a double, heart valve surgery patient and author of The Patient’s Guide To Heart Valve Surgery, a unique book which integrates the clinical facts of heart valve surgery with the personal experiences of 78 former valve surgery patients. To learn more about Adam and his heart valve surgery book, click here.
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March 30th, 2009 at 1:21 pm
I had the minimally invasive technique done at Duke.
I was in-and-out of the hospital in 4 days and driving in 2 weeks. I can honestly say the surgery and hospital stay was easy.
Afterwards (about 30 days later) was the tough part. I had alot of irregular heartbeats. The number one thing I didn’t do (that I definitely regret) was cardiac rehabilitation.
If you can, definitely do that.
March 30th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
Hey Harvey
I had severe mitral valve regurgitation and had a mitral repair on January 23 2008. My surgeon used the Da Vinci robot. Everything went very well, although it took quite a bit longer than expected due to the fact that my floppy leaflets were complicated and my surgeon (Richard Shemin of UCLA) wanted to SAVE my valve and not replace it. I had five anchor stitches put in. Believe me, even though you have a smaller and different incision with the robot, it still hurt when it heals! And before a year was up, we discovered that one of my stitches, the “Alfieri” stitch, had become disrupted. So I now have moderate regurgitation again but hopefully when I have my echo in May, it will still be holding strong at moderate. So yes, things can go “wrong” with the BEST equipment and BEST surgeons - nothing is fool proof. That said, it is a VERY safe procedure and it is best that you get it taken care of soon! Good luck!
Leslie
April 1st, 2009 at 8:22 am
Adam - you state - ‘make sure you ask the right questions’ when faced with surgery. What are these questions, Adam - I have been told I need mitral valve surgery and I am very scared.
Thank you.
April 1st, 2009 at 10:03 pm
I am 61 retired military. I was not told by my doctor VA type that my aortic stenosis had progressed from mild to sever. .88. I also was not informed of an aortic aneurysm of the root that is now 4.3cc. I ordered your book and am looking forward to reading it. The stories you have related have already helped me in dealing with this shock. I am having a first opinion this monday April the 6. I will read your book and find out how to pick the right doctor and hospital.
May 6th, 2009 at 10:40 am
Valerie, I know how you are feel. I was scared to death, that is what brought me to this website..in search of any type of answer..or something to re-assure me that I would be okay. I am 5 weeks post op for mitral valve repair and I am great!! Nobody can answer enough questions to make you feel comfortable with the surgery, but it does help to “talk” to someone that has “been there, done that”. Remember, mortality rate is VERY low. It would be even lower if not for the fact that it is inflated due to a lot of critically ill people undertaking the procedure and people with other underlying factors. My surgeon told me before surgery, “If you weren’t scared or nervous before surgery, something is wrong with you”. Feel free to ask any questions, I would be glad to share my Positive experience with you…