Surgical management of mitral valve disease

Surgery for the mitral valve has increased over the last decade, with a focus on an increasing number of valve repairs for degenerative mitral valve disease. This chapter discusses the surgical management of mitral valve disease with a focus on the pathology of mitral valve stenosis and regurgitation. With an examination into the pathophysiology of the lesions. Subsequently a discussion regarding the various surgical techniques for mitral valve surgery followed by the major and minor complications of surgery are reviewed to provide the Intensivist with an overview of possible complications. Finally a look at the future direction of the field is briefly examined.