Surgeon Q&A: How Long Does a Mitral Valve Repair Ring Last?

In this video, a patient asks whether a small leak discovered years after mitral valve repair surgery could become more severe and how long the implanted mitral valve ring is expected to last. Dr. Patrick McCarthy, Executive Director of the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute at Northwestern Medicine, explains that repair rings are inert, do not degenerate like tissue replacement valves, and are designed to remain durable over time.

Dr. McCarthy also explains how mitral valve leakage is graded from zero to four and why a mild, one-out-of-four leak may not be especially concerning. He recommends ongoing care with a cardiologist, including examinations for a heart murmur and periodic echocardiograms to monitor the repaired valve. (Video posted on August 13, 2026)