Armpit mitral valve replacement involves treating mitral valve diseases through a small incision without cutting the breastbone. This method can be preferred for conditions such as both mitral valve stenosis and mitral valve insufficiency. The armpit approach is less invasive compared to standard open-heart surgery and offers several advantages:
- Less bleeding: The risk of bleeding is reduced due to the small incision.
- Lower risk of infection: Not cutting the breastbone decreases the risk of infection.
- Faster wound healing: Healing may be quicker due to the smaller incision.
- Quicker return to daily life: As the recovery process is faster, patients can adapt to their normal lives more quickly.
- Less psychological impact: Being visually less invasive helps patients experience less psychological stress.
- No need for prolonged back-lying: Unlike standard open-heart surgery, there is no need for long periods of lying on the back.
- Ability to drive sooner: Patients are generally allowed to drive again in a shorter time.