Mitral Valve Surgery

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below. Key points Mitral valve repair offers several advantages overreplacement including the avoidance of long-term anticoagulation,preservation of the continuity between the mitral annulus andpapillary muscles, preservation of left ventricular function,decreased operative mortality and improved long term outcomes. Agood working knowledge of the functional anatomy of the mitralvalve apparatus is essential for all anaesthetists involvedin providing care for patients undergoing mitral valve surgery. Apulmonary artery catheter may be useful in these patients; itallows rationalization of inotropes and fluids both in the immediatepost-bypass period and in the postoperative intensive care setting. Milrinonemay be the inotrope of choice in these patients as it is notassociated with many of the disadvantages of more traditionalß-agonists. It is important that results of valverepair/replacements are assessed by transoesophageal echocardiographyduring surgery in order to detect a suboptimal repair/replacement.   Mitral valve surgery was first attempted . . . [Full Text of this Article]