Mitral Valve Repair: Saved Native Valve, Avoided Replacement
A patient from Riyadh seeking valve replacement received valve repair instead — a more complex but better long-term outcome.
I kept my own valve. No lifelong blood thinners. Dr. Li's technical skill was world-class.
"My cardiologist in Riyadh recommended mitral valve replacement with a mechanical valve. I would need lifelong blood thinners — at 52, that worried me. I researched alternatives and found that valve repair was preferable when possible but required surgical expertise.
SSAnkang connected me with Dr. Li Chen at Beijing Premier International. After reviewing my echo and TEE remotely, Dr. Li believed repair was feasible — about 75% probability. Worst case: replacement during the same surgery.
Surgery took 6 hours. Dr. Li repaired the valve. Post-op echo showed only mild regurgitation. I'm off blood thinners. Total cost in Beijing: $38,000 including 12 days hospital and accommodation."