Special issues regarding redo mitral valve procedures in the developing countries.

ABSTRACT

Redo mitral valve replacement remains the standard treatment for recurrent mitral valve disease. Most patients referred for a redo surgery in the western world are older and present with multiple comorbidities. With the successful broad implementation of anti-infective treatment, rheumatic mitral valve disease has become highly uncommon. Nonetheless, rheumatic heart disease is still thriving in developing countries causing the most severe mitral valve conditions. The guidelines are there to help us in our decision-making process, but the actual decision has to be made based on each patients' individual criteria.