At UHealth, we specialize in advanced, less invasive treatments for complex heart valve disease. Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Repair (MIMVR) is a state-of-the-art surgical procedure designed to precisely correct mitral regurgitation, mitral valve prolapses, and other forms of mitral valve disease where valve reconstruction offers the best long-term results.
Our expert cardiac surgeons perform MIMVR to prevent further heart damage, restore normal valve function, and improve quality of life.
If you are experiencing symptoms of heart valve disease, UHealth's multidisciplinary team provides comprehensive, personalized care—guiding you from diagnosis through recovery and long-term follow-up.
Mitral Foundation – Named a Mitral Valve Repair Center of Excellence, supported by the American Heart Association (AHA)
What Is Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Repair?
The primary goal of Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Repair is to preserve your mitral valve and restore its proper function — improving blood flow, relieving symptoms of valvular heart disease, and enhancing your overall heart health.
UHealth's Advanced Techniques
Unlike conventional open-heart surgery, MIMVR uses small incisions to repair the valve without splitting the breastbone. Typically, surgeons make a 2–3 inch incision between the ribs. This approach, often referred to as "keyhole surgery," reduces trauma to the chest and surrounding tissues, resulting in less pain, faster recovery, and better cosmetic results.
During surgery, our specialists precisely reconstruct the valve's leaflets, chordae tendineae, or supporting structures — often performing an annuloplasty — to eliminate mitral regurgitation and restore proper valve function.
Robotic-Assisted Surgery for Enhanced Precision
In many cases, UHealth surgeons use robotic-assisted technology to enhance precision. With superior 3D visualization and greater dexterity through tiny ports, robotic surgery allows for highly accurate maneuvers and consistently excellent outcomes.
Benefits of Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Repair at UHealth
Reduced Trauma and Pain
MIMVR causes less disruption to the chest than traditional open-heart surgery. As a result, patients usually have less pain after surgery, recover more comfortably, and often need fewer strong pain medications.
Lower Risk of Complications
Compared to traditional open-heart surgery, the MIMVR procedure lowers the risk of complications such as infections, bleeding, and the need for blood transfusions.
Shorter Hospital Stay
Following MIMVR, patients usually stay in the hospital for three to five days. Traditional open-heart surgery often requires seven to 10 days or more. A shorter hospital stay lowers the risk of complications and allows patients to recover at home sooner.
Faster Recovery Time
Patients often return to daily activities, work, and hobbies within weeks after MIMVR, compared to the months of recovery common with open-heart surgery.
Minimal Scarring
The small incision used in the MIMVR procedure leaves a smaller, less noticeable scar than open-heart surgery.
Is Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Repair Right for You?
UHealth's highly experienced heart surgeons will carefully consider the severity of your mitral valve disease and your overall cardiovascular health to determine if MIMVR can help improve your heart function and quality of life. This procedure is particularly beneficial for patients diagnosed with mitral regurgitation, mitral valve prolapse, or other forms of mitral valve disease where precise valve reconstruction (such as an annuloplasty) can offers the best long-term results.
At our UHealth Tower surgical facility, you will receive a comprehensive pre-operative evaluation using the latest diagnostic tools, including a detailed echocardiogram. This imaging test will precisely assess your mitral valve's structure, function, and the exact extent of any regurgitation.
Our heart health team will thoroughly discuss with you all suitable treatment options and expected outcomes, empowering you to make an informed decision about your care plan.
Our highly experienced surgeons carefully evaluate each patient's condition to determine if MIMVR is the best option. It is especially effective for patients with mitral regurgitation, prolapse, or disease requiring precise reconstruction.
At UHealth Tower, you will undergo a detailed pre-operative evaluation—including advanced imaging such as echocardiography and CT angiogram—to guide treatment planning. Our team then discusses all options with you, ensuring you can make an informed decision about your care.
What to Expect: Recovery and Life After MIMVR
At UHealth, our commitment to delivering advanced, patient-centric care fuels our approach to Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Repair and the care you'll receive after your procedure. Your comprehensive journey at UHealth extends well beyond the operating room. We provide extensive, personalized support to ensure your successful recovery and a confident return to a healthy, active life after your heart valve surgery.
Expert Post-Operative Care
Immediately following your minimally invasive mitral valve repair, you will receive expert and attentive post-operative care in our specialized cardiac recovery unit. Our compassionate team closely monitors your progress, expertly manages any pain and assists with early mobilization, which is crucial for preventing complications and facilitating your healing. The typically shorter hospital stay is a significant advantage of this less invasive approach, allowing you to return sooner to the comfort of your home.
Gradual Return to Activity
Upon returning home, you can anticipate a carefully guided, gradual return to your normal routine. This phased approach supports sustained healing and prevents overexertion. Our heart health team provides clear, detailed instructions on appropriate activity levels, medication management, and wound care for your small incision. Most patients experience significant improvements in symptoms, energy levels, and overall well-being within the initial weeks after MIMVR.
Comprehensive Cardiac Rehabilitation at UHealth
To optimize your long-term recovery and ensure sustained heart health, participation in UHealth's cardiac rehabilitation program is highly recommended. Our evidence-based program is tailored to your needs, helping to strengthen your heart, improve your endurance, and provide essential education on maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle through exercise, nutrition, and stress management. Research shows that our holistic approach significantly contributes to superior long-term patient outcomes and prevention of future cardiac events.
Excellent Long-Term Outcomes
Following successful MIMVR, our patients frequently experience a profound reduction or complete elimination of symptoms associated with mitral valve disease, such as shortness of breath, chronic fatigue, and palpitations. Our goal is to restore not just your heart function, but your ability to live life to the fullest.
FAQs About Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Repair
Take the Next Step Towards a Healthier Heart with UHealth
If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of mitral valve disease, or if you are seeking advanced, state-of-the-art heart disease treatment options, the compassionate UHealth cardiac surgery team is available to provide expert guidance and care. Discover if Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Repair is the right choice for you and learn how this advanced surgical procedure may improve your quality of life.
Call (305) 689-2784 to schedule an appointment with our cardiac surgery team today.
Our Location
Cardiac Surgery at UHealth Tower
1400 Northwest 12th Avenue, Suite 1
Miami, FL 33136
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Our Experts
Why Choose UHealth for Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Repair?
Recognized Leaders in Advanced Heart Valve Surgery. UHealth's unparalleled multidisciplinary team approach ensures that every aspect of your care – from initial precise diagnosis and treatment planning to the surgical procedure itself and comprehensive long-term recovery – is expertly coordinated by leading specialists in cardiac surgery, cardiology, and rehabilitation.
Deeply Committed to Leveraging Leading-Edge Technology. UHealth offers advanced imaging and robotic surgery and actively engages in groundbreaking research to provide the most effective and innovative heart disease treatment options available globally. Our renowned cardiac surgeons possess extensive, specialized experience in complex minimally invasive surgery, consistently delivering exceptional patient outcomes and expertly restoring health and vitality to our cherished patients through compassionate, state-of-the-art care.
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