John 's Journal

Susan Lynn  John - There are a few folks here who have had second mitral valve surgeries and hopefully, they'll share their experiences. I would consider getting at the cause of the failure - the ring is pretty standard in mitral valve repair - Was it the placement? An issue with the chords? Degradation of the valve?
You'll definitely want to seek out a surgeon who specializes in re-repairs. Best of luck!

Delise Becker  Hi, John. I had a mitral valve repair done in 2014, and it helped to alleviate the symptoms I was having (mainly, shortness of breath, especially on exertion) for several years. Then, about two years ago, those symptoms returned, but worse. An echo and a stress echo showed that my anterior leaflet was no longer closing properly because it had stiffened. I was told that the valve is now stenotic. Because of that, I will need a mitral valve replacement, and in addition, my tricuspid valve will be repaired. My understanding is that there are instances in which a re-repair can be done, but each individual is different. You would have to talk to your cardiologist and to potential surgeons to determine why your valve is leaking again and whether you would be a good candidate for a re-repair. Dr. David Adams and his team at Mt. Sinai in NYC have a great program for this. Even if you can't travel there, they offer consultations. 

J Alexander Lassally  Hi John - Sorry to hear this.  Agree with above, the ring is quite standard, so you will want to explore what is causing the new leakage?  It might be the chords. I am curious if you had a sternotomy or thoracotomy the first time?  As the heart remodels, sometimes the chords can become too loose. Regardless, it is a good idea to get a different surgeon to evaluate root cause,  options, and timing.  Good luck. 

Robert Miller  I had a couple of mitral valve surgeries last year. Feel free to either reach out via PM or here. They did install a Medtronic ring the first time. It was replaced during the second surgery with a different brand. I don't recall what that brand was but I believe it was the same size. I asked if there was something wrong with the first ring but it seems there was nothing wrong and it's just standard procedure to just replace it. Since you have a second surgery, check if they already have or plan to remove the heart's "appendix". Supposedly it's unknown what this is for but it's where blood clots can form. Also if you have Afib check if you are a candidate for the maze procedure. 

John Wood   Thank you SO much Susan, Delise, J Alexander and Robert.   Great information.  Indeed it makes perfect sense to find out the root cause  as it may be different than the first time.  It is actually my wife who is the patient but I am gathering information.  The  local cardiologist said it would need to be open heart.  We are going back to original surgeon for second opinion.  Of course we want it fixed correctly but would like less invasive.  Her first was done through the side of the chest.  Thank you  again and I wish you the best as you continue yioyr journey.  John