What is the definition or description of: mitral valve repair?

Not a replacement: Mitral valve repair refers to an operation to correct dysfunction of the mitral valve using tissues of the valve itself rather than replacing the valve with an artificial valve. Often a prosthetic ring is sutured around the valve to support it. Repair is usually done for a leaking valve - mitral regurgitation.

Restoring function: When the mitral valve is not working properly, by being too tight or by leaking, it is possible in most circumstances to repair and not replace the valve. This can be done by minimally invasive methods or by robotic surgery, both of which have excellent success rates. This avoids the use of anticoagulants after surgery.