I would like to know how they access the mitral valve in surgery (i believe open heart is not the only option- any info on that would help too). What parts if the heart do they have to cut through to get to the Mitral valve? also, when they implant an annuloplasty ring, what instruments do surgeons prefer to use (heart valve sizer)?
Thank you in advance for any info you may provide.
cheers,
Mike