West Florida Mitral Valve Repair Center

The West Florida Mitral Valve Repair Center at Blake Medical Center is one of only a few centers nationally achieving repair rates above 95%. That means our team is able to repair (rather than replace) the valve over 95% of the time. For our patients, that means they have a better quality of life, usually without the need of anti-coagulation medication. Ultimately, survival rates are higher with mitral valve repair when compared to replacement.

Our Team

Our skilled multi-disciplinary team includes:

  • Cardiologists
  • Cardiac Surgeons
  • Cardiac Nurses
  • Cardiovascular Surgical Team
  • Physician’s Assistants
  • Anesthesiologists
  • Perfusionists
  • Laboratory Technicians
  • Nationally Certified Critical Care Nurses 
  • Radiologists
  • Nationally Certified Cardiovascular Operating Room Nurses
  • Pharmacists
  • ECHO Cardiographers
  • Infection Control Specialists
  • Emergency Staff
  • Respiratory Therapists
  • Quality Specialists
  • Cardiac Rehabilitation Professionals

What is Mitral Valve Prolapse?

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a common, usually benign heart disorder. The mitral valve controls blood flow between the upper (atrium) and lower (ventricle) chambers on the left side of the heart. Normally, blood should only flow in one direction, from the upper chamber into the lower chamber. In MVP, the valve flaps don’t work properly; part of the valve balloons into the atrium, which may be associated with blood flowing in the wrong direction, or leaking back into the atrium. learn more »

What is Mitral Valve Regurgitation?

Mitral regurgitation is the leaking of blood from the left ventricle across the mitral valve, and into the left atrium. The flow of blood pumped by the heart is controlled by one-way valves. These valves assure that blood moves in only one direction. When the mitral valve leaks, some of the blood that should be pumped into the body instead goes backward into the left atrium. If the amount of blood that leaks is severe, mitral regurgitation can be a serious condition that requires care from your doctor. The sooner it is treated, the more favorable the outcome. Your cardiologist can help you determine the optimal time and method for your treatment. learn more »

Download a brochure on Mitral Valve Regurgitation and its treatments. (PDF - 221KB)

Repair Vs. Replacement

There are several treatment options available for a leaky valve including mechanical replacement, bio-prosthetic replacement, and repair. Emerging research indicates there are significant advantages to saving the natural valve with a repair procedure whenever possible.

Download a brochure on Mitral Valve Repair Vs. Replacement. (PDF - 229KB)

Video Library

Other Resources