HonorHealth is committed to delivering high-quality care and outcomes for all. As a leader in heart care and cardiac surgery, our team of experts are continuously pioneering new technologies and therapies to provide the next level of care for patients.
The intricacies of mitral valve disease
The mitral valve, located in the left chamber of the heart, plays a crucial role in regulating blood flow between the left atrium and the left ventricle. When functioning properly, the valve's flaps open and close seamlessly, allowing blood to move forward while preventing it from flowing backwards. However, when the mitral valve is diseased, it can lead to a range of symptoms, including shortness of breath, swollen feet and even congestive heart failure.
“Repairing a damaged mitral valve is no simple task,” explains Zain Khalpey, MD, cardiothoracic surgeon at HonorHealth. Depending on the specific issue, surgeons may need to employ various techniques, such as separating fused valve leaflets (commissurotomy), removing and reconstructing flappy sections (resection) or reshaping and tightening the valve's opening (annuloplasty).
Traditionally, accessing the heart for mitral valve surgery required a large incision through the breastbone. However, advances in minimally invasive techniques have paved the way for less traumatic approaches, resulting in reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times.
How HonorHealth is harnessing the power of robotic technology
At HonorHealth, we’re no strangers to innovation. With over 500 mitral valve procedures each year, we’re always looking for ways to elevate our standard of care. That's precisely what Dr. Khalpey and his surgical team at HonorHealth Deer Valley Medical Center achieved by recently performing Arizona's first robotic mitral valve repair in 15 years.
This groundbreaking procedure, which involved a flail leaflet resection and annuloplasty band placement, showcased the incredible precision and dexterity offered by robotic technology. The patient experienced no post-repair leakage, a testament to the skill and expertise of our surgical team.
The robotic mitral valve repair procedure demonstrates the incredible collaboration, expertise and spirit of our robotic cardiac surgery teams. At HonorHealth, we’re not just pushing the boundaries in robotic surgery; we’re showcasing the power of teamwork and a shared commitment to improving the health and well-being of the patients we serve.