Valve Infection and Mitral Valve Replacement: An Overview

Having a new valve poses a small risk for infection throughout your life. About 1 patient in 1,000 will develop a valve infection over their lifetime. To decrease this risk of infection you will need to take antibiotics prior to any dental or medical procedure. It is important to let your doctors know before you undergo any medical test or procedure that you have had a valve replacement. You should also call your cardiologist or surgeon and inform them of any procedures you are planning to have, so they can give you antibiotics prior to the procedure. These antibiotics will help protect your valve from infection; however, if your valve becomes infected, it may need to be replaced with another surgery.