Post Mitral Valve Repair Question

[ocean12]

I had a valve repair (due to mitral regurgitation) about 2 years ago and went for an echo recently.  The reason for the echo is because I had amaurosis fugal (vision loss) while on vacation that lasted about 3 minutes in right eye.

Here is what the report said:
S/P annulooplasty ring and valve repair with some tethering of leaflets.  There is trace mitral regurgitation present and mean mitral valve gradient is 5.mmHg.  Aneurysm of fossa ovals is present with no evidence of shunt following bubble study.  Mild tricuspid regurgitation with estimated PA pressure of 26 mmHG assuming an RA pressure = 5.

What does "tethering of leaflets" mean?  I didn't expect to read anything about my valve since I had it repaired and thought everything was perfect following surgery.  My doctor is out of the office for 2 weeks.  Is there anything to worry about?  



Thank you

[ocean12]

Thank you very much for your help and explanation.  i appreciate it.  I will be meeting with my doctor to go over my results soon.  Glad you are doing well from your surgery.  

[Smiley2000]

Hi there,

I can try and help you as I had my Annuluplasty done in 2008.  I am not a health professional, just a patient:

Trace or mild regurg is nothing to worry about.  Aneurysm present, but no shunting - so that is good news.

The Annuluplasty is done due to thethering or incompetence of the valve and then they repair it by cutting and working on the leaflets and segments, and inserting the Annuplasty ring.  With the ring in place, it forces the leaflets to close and some blood may leak through (regurg) but never as severe as it was before surgery.  This repair should last us a lifetime :)

When your Doctor returns you should go and see him for a full explanation, but there is nothing to worry about.

All the best,