Mitral Valve Disease

Surgical conservation of the mitral valve has come of age and is now practiced by an increasing number of cardiac surgeons worldwide. Unlike simple valve replacement however, the techniques involved need to be performed with a great deal of insight into the underlying mechanisms of normal valve function and the pathology of the valve. This book brings up to date the knowledge required to achieve success. Surgical conservation of the mitral valve has come of age and is now practised by an increasing number of interested cardiac surgeons worldwide. Unlike simple valve replacement however, the techniques involved need to be performed with a great deal of insight into the underlying mechanisms of normal valve function and the pathology of the valve. This book is an attempt to bring up to date the knowledge required for this to be achieved. Written from an international perspective, with contributions by well-respected experts in the field from Britain and the United States, the book considers the anatomy, pathology, physiology, investigations and surgery of the mitral valve.