Mitral Valve Surgery Explained – List Surgeons and Clinics

What is the mitral valve and why is it important?

The mitral valve is a key part of the heart, located between the left atrium and left ventricle. It has two flaps that open and close with each heartbeat to direct blood flow. When the valve malfunctions—through mitral regurgitation or stenosis—it can strain the heart and lead to complications like heart failure if left untreated.

What does mitral valve surgery entail?

Mitral valve surgery is performed to repair or replace a faulty mitral valve that no longer functions properly. Surgeons may opt for traditional open-heart surgery or less invasive techniques, depending on the patient’s condition. Common repair methods include annuloplasty, tissue reconstruction, and fixing damaged chords. If repair isn’t feasible, the valve is replaced with a mechanical or biological prosthetic to restore normal blood flow.

Who are some of the top surgeons for mitral valve issues?

Several surgeons in the United States are highly respected for their skill and innovation in mitral valve surgery. While the best choice depends on individual health needs, five specialists are widely recognized for excellence in this field:

Dr. David H. Adams – Mount Sinai Hospital, New York

Dr. A. Marc Gillinov – Cleveland Clinic, Ohio

Dr. Patrick M. McCarthy – Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago

Dr. Alfredo Trento – Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles

Dr. Michael A. Borger – NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center

These surgeons are known for advanced techniques, successful outcomes, and leadership in cardiac care.

Which hospitals are known for excellence in mitral valve surgery?

Several medical centers across the United States are nationally recognized for excellence in cardiac care, especially mitral valve surgery. Leading institutions include:

Cleveland Clinic – Cleveland, Ohio

Mayo Clinic – Rochester, Minnesota

NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital – Columbia and Cornell – New York, NY

Massachusetts General Hospital – Boston, Massachusetts

Johns Hopkins Hospital – Baltimore, Maryland

These hospitals are known for advanced technology, collaborative care teams, and consistently high success rates in mitral valve procedures.

What are the latest advancements in mitral valve surgery?

Recent years have seen significant advancements in mitral valve surgery techniques and technologies, transforming how patients are diagnosed, treated, and recover. Minimally invasive approaches, such as robotic-assisted surgery and transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVr), are now more widely adopted. These procedures typically involve smaller incisions, less trauma to the chest cavity, shorter hospital stays, quicker recovery times, and a lower risk of infection compared to traditional open-heart surgery. As a result, they have made mitral valve intervention a viable option for older adults and patients with higher surgical risk.

In addition to surgical technique improvements, the use of advanced imaging and diagnostics—including real-time 3D echocardiography and cardiac MRI—has enhanced the precision of pre-surgical planning. 3D printing technology has emerged as a cutting-edge tool, enabling the creation of patient-specific mitral valve models. These customized models allow surgeons to visualize complex anatomy, simulate the procedure, and select the most effective repair or replacement strategy tailored to the individual’s heart structure.

Moreover, next-generation prosthetic valves—both mechanical and biological—are being engineered for greater durability and compatibility, reducing the need for reoperations and long-term medication in some cases. Research is also underway on tissue-engineered valves that can grow and adapt with the patient, particularly promising for younger patients or those with congenital conditions.

Together, these innovations are shaping a new era in cardiac care—one that emphasizes personalized treatment, improved patient outcomes, and expanded access to life-saving procedures for a broader range of individuals.

What factors should patients consider when choosing a surgeon or clinic?

When selecting a surgeon or hospital for mitral valve surgery, several important considerations can guide patients toward the best possible outcome. These include the surgeon's specific expertise, the facility’s overall track record in cardiac care, and the availability of advanced surgical techniques.

Among the most respected names in mitral valve procedures is Dr. David H. Adams, known for his pioneering work in mitral valve repair at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. He specializes in advanced repair techniques that preserve the natural valve, often leading to better long-term outcomes. At the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, Dr. A. Marc Gillinov leads a team known for minimally invasive mitral valve surgeries, reducing recovery times and surgical risks for eligible patients.

Dr. Patrick M. McCarthy at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago is highly regarded for managing complex mitral valve reconstructions, offering solutions for patients with advanced or previously treated valve conditions. On the West Coast, Dr. Alfredo Trento at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles has built a strong reputation for robotic mitral valve surgery, a minimally invasive option that allows for precision and quicker healing. Meanwhile, Dr. Michael A. Borger at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center is a leader in transcatheter mitral valve procedures, a cutting-edge approach suitable for certain high-risk or older patients who may not be ideal candidates for open surgery.

Each of these surgeons practices at institutions known for their high surgical volumes, strong patient outcomes, and multidisciplinary cardiac teams. These hospitals also emphasize comprehensive post-operative care, including cardiac rehabilitation and long-term monitoring, which are critical to recovery and ongoing heart health.

When making a decision, patients should evaluate not only the credentials of the surgical team but also logistical considerations like insurance compatibility, hospital location, and access to second opinions. Transparency, communication, and support before and after surgery are equally vital components of quality care.

Ultimately, mitral valve surgery can offer a new lease on life for those suffering from valve disease. Partnering with an experienced surgical team at a top-tier facility increases the likelihood of a successful outcome and a smoother recovery journey.