Wow! That is fantastic!
I especially like the concept of using a form of cardiac catheritization to control mitral valve leakage:
<<The first procedure is performed in the cardiac catheterization laboratory in consenting patients, with the aid of echocardiography. A special catheter with a very small clip-like device is inserted into the femoral vein, in the groin, and advanced to the heart. With precise controlled movements, and guided by echocardiography, the cardiologist attaches the clip to the leaflets of the mitral valve, and the catheter is removed. Scar tissue forms over the clip and holds the valve leaflets in their new position, which limits the leakage. >>
And then there is the work being done by Dr. Carpentier & others doing valve surgery with robots. It all makes me think that valve surgery may well have a completely different "look" by the time, in 10-15 years, when the current tissue valves wear out. "Second surgeries" for those who need them may not be quite so daunting.