Heart Matters: Understanding Mitral Valve Regurgitation

Mitral valve regurgitation is a common heart condition that occurs when the mitral valve, located between the left atrium and left ventricle, fails to close completely. This leads to blood flowing backward into the left atrium during heart contractions, increasing the workload on the heart and lungs. If left untreated, it can result in severe complications such as pulmonary edema, arrhythmia, and even heart failure. Regular check-ups are essential to monitor your health and ensure timely intervention to prevent disease progression.

Table Of Contents

The Role of the Mitral Valve
The Role of the Mitral Valve
Symptoms and Complications
Diagnosis and Timing of Treatment
Treatment Options
Tungs' Care About You

The Role of the Mitral Valve

The heart consists of four chambers, separated by valves that act as gates to ensure one-way blood flow during each heartbeat. If a valve fails to open fully, it restricts blood flow, known as valve stenosis. Conversely, if a valve does not close completely, it causes blood to flow backward, known as regurgitation. The mitral valve, located between the left atrium and left ventricle, is crucial for efficient blood circulation throughout the body.

The Role of the Mitral Valve

Mitral valve regurgitation is classified into two types: Primary (Structural) and Secondary (Functional)

Primary (Structural) Mitral Valve Regurgitation:
Caused by structural damage to the valve, such as torn or elongated chordae tendineae, preventing proper closure.
Secondary (Functional) Mitral Valve Regurgitation:
Occurs when the heart enlarges, stretching the mitral valve framework. Even if the valve structure is intact, it may not close effectively.

Symptoms and Complications

Mitral valve regurgitation often presents no symptoms in its early stages, making it easy to overlook. Common symptoms include:

Fatigue and reduced exercise tolerance
Shortness of breath, especially when lying flat
Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat
Swelling in the lower limbs

Severe cases may lead to pulmonary edema, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and an increased risk of stroke.

Diagnosis and Timing of Treatment

Early diagnosis is critical to prevent heart function deterioration. Once diagnosed with severe mitral valve regurgitation, timely treatment can prevent heart enlargement and dysfunction.

Treatment Options

Medication and Non-Surgical Treatments

For secondary mitral valve regurgitation, treatment focuses on addressing the underlying causes of heart enlargement using medications or transcatheter mitral valve clip procedures.

Surgical Treatments

Mitral Valve Repair:
Ideal for primary mitral valve regurgitation, this procedure repairs the patient’s valve to restore normal function. It boasts high success rates and eliminates the need for long-term anticoagulant use.
Mitral Valve Replacement:
Recommended for patients with severely damaged or calcified valves.
- Biological Valves: Shorter lifespan but do not require anticoagulants.
- Mechanical Valves: Longer lifespan but necessitate lifelong anticoagulant therapy

Minimally Invasive Surgery

For secondary mitral valve regurgitation, treatment focuses on addressing the underlying causes of heart enlargement using medications or transcatheter mitral valve clip procedures. Advances in minimally invasive techniques, such as Da Vinci robotic-assisted surgery, offer smaller incisions, reduced pain, faster recovery, and outcomes comparable to traditional open-heart surgery.

Innovations at Tungs’ Hospital
The cardiac surgery team at Tungs’ Hospital continues to refine Da Vinci minimally invasive heart surgery techniques, including:

Integrating Da Vinci with Hybrid X-ray Systems:
Combining treatments for valve damage and coronary artery blockages in a single procedure reduces the need for a second surgery and accelerates recovery.

Using Uterine Morcellators for Tumor Removal:
Removing heart tumors up to 8 cm through incisions as small as 1 cm.

Combining Da Vinci with Sterile Ultrasound:
Performing simultaneous diagnosis and treatment for complex conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with mitral regurgitation, avoiding valve replacement, and long-term anticoagulant therapy.

Expert Insights
Dr. Cheng Po-Chih, Vice President of Tungs’ Hospital, highlighted that while traditional open-heart surgery through sternotomy has a long history of success, it often leaves noticeable scars, causes significant pain, and involves prolonged recovery. These challenges discourage many patients, particularly the elderly or those with weakened physical conditions, from seeking timely treatment.
Da Vinci robotic-assisted surgery eliminates the need for sternotomy, accessing the heart from the right side to directly address deep-seated cardiac structures such as the mitral valve, tricuspid valve, left atrial tumors, atrial fibrillation, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This approach reduces tissue damage, alleviates pain, and enables faster recovery, allowing some patients to walk and start rehabilitation shortly after surgery.

Currently, 54 hospitals in Taiwan are equipped with 72 Da Vinci robotic systems, making the country a global leader in the use of this technology. The precision and comfort of high-tech surgeries have significantly improved public confidence in heart treatments. Dr. Cheng encourages patients to face heart conditions without fear, consult experienced cardiac surgeons, and discuss the most suitable treatment options for optimal outcomes.

Tungs’ Care About You

Since mitral valve regurgitation can remain asymptomatic for extended periods, regular echocardiograms are essential for early detection and management. If you have concerns or symptoms, click the link below to consult with our specialists. We will provide you with the best health advice and treatment options.

Consult Now

Case Story