CPT® Code 33427

Mitral valvuloplasty is a surgical procedure aimed at correcting issues with the mitral valve, which is situated between the left atrium and the left ventricle of the heart. This procedure is primarily indicated for patients suffering from mitral valve prolapse and regurgitation, conditions characterized by the improper closure of the mitral valve. In mitral valve prolapse, the valve leaflets bulge upward into the left atrium during the contraction of the left ventricle, leading to a situation where blood can leak back into the atrium, known as regurgitation. The surgical approach typically involves accessing the heart through a median sternotomy or a right anterolateral thoracotomy, allowing for direct visualization and intervention on the mitral valve. During the procedure, cardiopulmonary bypass is established to maintain circulation and oxygenation of the blood while the heart is temporarily stopped. The surgical team initiates cardioplegia to protect the heart muscle during the operation. An incision is made in the left atrium to expose the mitral valve, and the specific repair techniques employed depend on the nature and severity of the valve's damage or malformation. The procedure may involve various methods, including annuloplasty to reduce the size of the valve orifice, the use of autologous pericardial patches for leaflet repair, and reconstruction of the chordae tendineae if they are ruptured or elongated. The complexity of the repair can vary, with radical reconstruction being performed in some cases, which may or may not involve the use of a prosthetic ring. This comprehensive approach aims to restore the normal function of the mitral valve and improve the patient's overall cardiac health.