Which procedure is cited as an example of mitral valve repair for mitral stenosis?

Which procedure is cited as an example of mitral valve repair for mitral stenosis?

• A. Balloon valvotomy
• B. Bioprosthetic valve implantation
• C. Mitral commissurotomy
• D. Valve replacement

Answer: (C)

Mitral commissurotomy is the example of a surgical repair for mitral stenosis. This procedure involves opening or splitting the fused commissures of the mitral valve to separate the leaflets, which relieves the obstruction while preserving the patient’s own valve tissue. Because it restores function without removing or replacing the valve, it’s considered a repair rather than a replacement. In contrast, balloon valvotomy (a percutaneous balloon dilation) widens the valve but isn’t a surgical repair; it’s a nonsurgical valvuloplasty. Bioprosthetic valve implantation and valve replacement involve placing a prosthetic valve or removing the native valve, which are replacements, not repairs.

Mitral commissurotomy is the example of a surgical repair for mitral stenosis. This procedure involves opening or splitting the fused commissures of the mitral valve to separate the leaflets, which relieves the obstruction while preserving the patient’s own valve tissue. Because it restores function without removing or replacing the valve, it’s considered a repair rather than a replacement.

In contrast, balloon valvotomy (a percutaneous balloon dilation) widens the valve but isn’t a surgical repair; it’s a nonsurgical valvuloplasty. Bioprosthetic valve implantation and valve replacement involve placing a prosthetic valve or removing the native valve, which are replacements, not repairs.