Cardiac Surgery Certification Exam Cardiac Valve Surgery

Question 1

The standard surgical approach for isolated mitral valve surgery in most US centers is:

Accepted Answer

Median sternotomy with left atriotomy via the interatrial groove

Answer

Left thoracotomy

Answer

Right minithoracotomy only

Answer

Subxiphoid approach

Question 2

Which feature of a bioprosthetic heart valve is its primary advantage over a mechanical valve?

Accepted Answer

Does not require lifelong anticoagulation

Answer

Greater durability beyond 20 years

Answer

Lower cost

Answer

Easier to implant

Question 3

The most common cause of mitral valve regurgitation requiring surgery in the United States is:

Accepted Answer

Myxomatous mitral valve disease (mitral valve prolapse)

Answer

Rheumatic heart disease

Answer

Infective endocarditis

Answer

Ischemic papillary muscle rupture

Question 4

What is the preferred surgical option for mitral regurgitation due to posterior leaflet prolapse with good tissue quality?

Accepted Answer

Mitral valve repair

Answer

Mechanical valve replacement

Answer

Bioprosthetic valve replacement

Answer

Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair

Question 5

The annuloplasty ring used in mitral valve repair serves primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Remodel and stabilize the mitral annulus to prevent recurrent regurgitation

Answer

Increase valve orifice area

Answer

Replace the posterior leaflet

Answer

Prevent leaflet prolapse directly

Question 6

Intraoperative TEE after mitral valve repair is used primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Assess residual regurgitation and confirm adequate valve function before chest closure

Answer

Guide cardioplegia delivery

Answer

Monitor pulmonary pressures only

Answer

Determine when to initiate bypass