Q: My mother is suffering from rheumatic heart disease with moderate AR, moderate MR, MVA is 1.3 sq.cm. I read in an article that in case of MR, implantation of a ring is made to support the mitral valve, which prevents enlargement and failure of heart. I like to know that how effective is this technique in case of my mother and is it available in India?

A:The management of regurgitant valves include medical management and valve repair/replacement and at an optimal time. The technique of mitral valve repair includes use of mitral rings. However, the choice of operation depends on echocardiographic and intra operative morphological characteristics of the valve. I would recommend that you must see a cardiologist for assessment of regurgitant lesions and any need for surgical intervention.