What is the long-term success rate of valve repair versus replacement?

Valve repair durability is excellent when done at high-volume centers. Mitral valve repair, in particular, lasts 85-95% at 10 years with the best outcomes when performed by surgeons who do hundreds of these cases annually.

Repair failure typically develops gradually and is detected through echocardiograms showing worsening leakage. Re-repair is possible if caught early, otherwise replacement is needed.

Volume matters: the higher the surgeon’s experience, the more likely you are to get a durable repair. Choosing a reference center is especially important for complex pathologies like Barlow’s disease or rheumatic valve disease.