Boston Area MV Repair Surgeon?

[ParisRunner]

Hi! I'm a 56 year old male with a significant mitral valve prolapse (3-4). The condition has been followed for years. I've been asymtomatic during that time. A late 2008 diagnosis of endocarditis has moved the doctors from watchful waiting to recommending surgery. I'm fit, with a 40+ history of competitive running. Does anyone have recommendations for the best Boston, MA area MV repair surgeons? My preference, not surprisingly, is repair v. replacement. I appreciate any assistance you can provide. I live in greater Boston so I'd like to understand my local options.Thanks much!

[Cleveland Clinic]

Agreed that there are two very fine heart hospitals in the MGH and Brigham and women's hospital. But if you want the most experienced center in mitral valve surgery then I would have to say that the Cleveland clinic or the Mayo clinic have much more experience in repairing the valve than both of those hospitals combined. Remember that the present CEO of our institution ( Dr. Cosgrove) has perfected the art of mitral valve repair, and the most commonly used ring in the repair is maned after him ( Cosgrove-Edwards ring). And while it is true that he no longer operates, he taught most of the current generation of surgeons the intricate details of performing a good repair. In summary I think that if the valve is easily salvageable then you could stay at the MGH or BWH. If it seems to be a difficult case and you want the very best to try to repair it come to e Cleveland Clinic and make an appointment to see Drs. Gillinov, Smedira or Roselli.

[Jkm7]

You are very fortunate to be in the Boston area as Boston boasts two of the country's best CardioThoraxic Surgery Centers.

Mass General Hospital and Brightam and Women's constantly are rated in the top ten if not top five.

Perhaps you may wish to contact both and make appointments with surgeons at each to evaluate your condition.

I had two OHS at Mass General in the last four years and would not have dreamed of going anywhere but.  Sadly, my incredible surgeon died very much too young this past December.  He is very missed.

Good luck.

[ParisRunner]

Thanks so much for your response and recommendation. Best of success with your re-repair in coming years!

[richie2times]

I had a Mitral valve repair in 2003...I developed an "eccentric" leak in 2008  that caused some other serious problems...at 52... I didn't want mechanical valve...Dr. Giilinov at Cleveland Clinic performed a complex repair and so far so good...only time will tell.I highly reccommend. Good Luck

[ParisRunner]

Thanks so much for your comment, MaryLou. I'm delighted to hear of your results! I wish you good health in 2009!

[MaryLou1027]

I wad supposed to have my aortic valve replaced at Mass General, but the surgeon died in Dec.  Thus, I had it done at the Cleveland Clinic by Dr Sabik.  He was great and I have not had any problems since surgery on 11/09/08.  Best of luck MaryLou

[ParisRunner]

Thanks so much to both Cleveland Clinic and Jkm7 for your advice! I deeply appreciate it.