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

Median sternotomy with access through the left atrium via the interatrial (Sondergaard) groove is the standard approach for most mitral valve operations.

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

Bioprosthetic valves do not require long-term anticoagulation after the initial postoperative period, reducing hemorrhagic risks for appropriate patients.

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

Myxomatous degeneration (Barlow's disease or fibro-elastic deficiency) causing mitral valve prolapse is the leading cause of surgical mitral regurgitation in the US.

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

Mitral valve repair is the gold standard for posterior leaflet prolapse because it preserves native tissue, avoids prosthetic valve risks, and provides excellent long-term outcomes.

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

The annuloplasty ring reshapes and downsizes the dilated mitral annulus, ensuring leaflet coaptation and long-term repair durability.

Cardiac Surgery Certification Exam Practice Test

Cardiac Surgery Certification Exam Practice Test

Cardiac Surgery Certification Exam Cardiac Valve Surgery