Heart Surgery - A Complicated Case of Mitral Valve Repair and Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG)

A 65 year old man from Middle East presented with a case of severe chest pain and breathlessness. He had a previous history of myocardial infarction. He was moderately built. He presented to us his medical records such as current ECG, Echo, and a complete case history written by his family physician. The medical records were perused by the expert panel of cardiology and they advised that an angiogram and CATH study be performed on him for further evaluation, since the records the patient presented did not give the doctors the complete picture about his condition. The evaluation done at the hospital revealed multiple blocks in the Coronary Artery, which required immediate surgical intervention. Also revealed was a leaking mitral valve which required immediate correction.

His blood examination revealed high creatinine levels, which meant that the patient may have a renal failure after surgery, and which may require dialysis. Doctors assured that the surgery had a success rate of 80%, but they also discussed with the patient’s relative about the risks and complications associated with the surgery. The relative was in acceptance to the doctor’s suggestion of surgery and was ready to go ahead with the corrective procedure. The relative was also made aware that the mitral valve repair had a chance of failure, and if it were to fail, then a mitral valve replacement may be required. The mitral valve replacement had a success rate of 95%.

The patient was posted for mitral valve repair and CABG, and the surgery was successfully done. He was in the Intensive Coronary Care Unit for 7 days.

Later on, he was shifted to the ward and was stable. He was discharged from the hospital after a fortnight.

The patient and his relatives were really content that they had decided in favor of the surgery, despite it being a very complicated one.