Mitral valve repair in children with rheumatic heart disease

ConclusionIn children, the results of mitral valve replacement were found to be inferior to those of mitral valve repair. The reoperation rates are similar in patients undergoing initial repair or replacement, which favors repair as an option. In developing world, rheumatic mitral valve disease is more prevalent where adequate facilities for monitoring of prosthetic valve function and management of anticoagulation therapy are not easily available. Valve repair therefore should be the primary goal.
Source: Indian Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery - Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Source Type: research