Marfan Syndrome

Surgery

Aneurysm before surgery.

Valve Sparing
Coumadin is not required for valve sparing or biological valve replacements, but the disadvantage of these operations is that they may degenerate with time

Mechanical Valve
The major advantage of the mechanical valve is that it should last many years; the disadvantage is that lifelong coumadin treatment (a blood thinner taken by mouth) is required.

Some patients with Marfan syndrome need heart surgery. Types of heart surgery might include:

Aortic aneurysm repair

Aortic aneurysm repair is the most common cardiovascular operation required in Marfan syndrome. This operation involves replacement of a part of the aorta with an artificial graft. Read more about aortic aneurysms.

Aortic Valve Repair or Replacement

Aortic valve repair with sparing of the native aortic valve refers to replacement of the enlarged aorta with a graft and saving the patient's own valve. The benefit of this type of operation is avoiding the potential problems of replacing the aortic valve with a new valve.

Aortic valve replacement is often performed with aortic root replacement. There are two general types of artificial valves: mechanical and biological. Both types of artificial valves have advantages and disadvantages (see illustrations, right).

These operations have been performed in more than 400 patients at Mayo Clinic. Read more about aortic valve surgery.

Mitral Valve Repair or Replacement

The mitral valve may be affected by valve leakage in the patients who have Marfan syndrome. This usually is due to mitral valve prolapse. Repair of the mitral valve is usually possible. This is the preferred procedure, preventing possible problems with artificial heart valves. Read more about mitral valve surgery.