Hello doctor, My mother is 59-years-old and has mitral stenosis. CMV was done 35 years back. Now recently she had a heartbeat of 150 and atrial flutter, and she was on Acitrom previously. She has undergone DC cardioversion shock. Now latest ECG shows atrial ectopic and her heart rate is 70 to 80. Can she undergo operation soon? If yes, which valve would be best for her biological or mechanical? Which is the best and latest generation biological valve in the world market?
Hello. Yes, she is now a candidate for mitral valve replacement. However, you should make a note that valve replacement is not a complete solution. Firstly, at this age, a mechanical valve is better considering the durability of the valve. Bileaflet valve is the preferred one. Next, she has to be on regular blood thinners. Otherwise, there is a risk of valve dysfunction which may lead to a repeat surgery if blood is not adequately thinned.  Also, this heartbeat problem may not go even after valve replacement and has to be controlled on medicines. Even now she should be on beta blockers like Metoprolol, then Diltiazem to keep heart rate controlled, which are quite effective. I hope this helps you and get back if you have any doubts.