Early experience with mitral valve reconstruction for mitral insufficiency

Mitral valve repair for mitral regurgitation has been reported to have more favorable early and late results than mitral valve replacement. From July 1985 through July 1990, 63 patients have undergone valve repair at Good Samaritan Hospital. Twenty-two men and 41 women whose ages ranged from 34 to 81 years (mean 67.9 years) were treated. Twenty-eight patients were in New York Heart Association functional class III or IV. Twelve (19%) had undergone prior cardiac surgery. Isolated valve repair was performed in 18 patients. Valve repair was combined with coronary artery bypass grafting, other valve procedures, or aneurysm resection in the remainder (71%). Two patients (3%) died while in the hospital, and four deaths (one valve-related) occurred after discharge. Leaflet resection for ruptured chordae was done in 24 patients (38%), chordal shortening in 5 patients (8%), and leaflet transposition in 2 patients. Rigid ring annuloplasty (Carpentier) was performed in 62 patients. Eight patients required mitral valve replacement at the same operation because of unsatisfactory valve repair. Results of valve repair evaluated by echocardiography at discharge show that 48 patients (88%) are free of significant regurgitation. Follow-up to date reveals that all surviving patients who underwent valve repair have clinically improved and are stable. Four of five patients with moderate mitral regurgitation are currently asymptomatic. There have been two valve-related late failures requiring reoperation. Based on this early experience, we conclude that valve repair compared with mitral valve replacement has a low operative mortality with good early results. Continued efforts to preserve native mitral valve function in the presence of mitral regurgitation appear justified.     

Ultrasonic debridement during mitral valve reconstruction for calcified mitral stenosis

An ultrasonic device in conjunction with open mitral commissurotomy was applied in 8 patients with heavily calcified, stenosed mitral valves. In 6 patients, reconstruction of the mitral valve by debridement of the leaflet calcification with the device was successful. Two patients required valve replacement because of an increase in preexistent mitral regurgitation caused by excessive decalcification. The ultrasonic device proved to be a useful and effective adjunct for salvaging the heavily calcified mitral valve, which would otherwise have to be replaced.     

Factors affecting mitral valve reoperation in 317 survivors after mitral valve reconstruction.

From a very heterogeneous group of 340 patients undergoing mitral valve reconstruction from 1969 through 1988, 313 hospital survivors were analyzed for factors affecting the occurrence of reoperative mitral valve procedures related to native mitral valve dysfunction. Follow-up was 100% and extended from 1 year to 20 years (mean follow-up, 7.2 years). Sixty-three patients (18.5% of the 340) required mitral valve reoperation at a mean postoperative interval of 6 years (range, 1 to 15 years). Incremental risk factors analyzed for the event late mitral valve failure included age, sex, preoperative New York Heart Association class, cause of valvular disease, pathophysiology of the mitral valve, previous mitral valve operation, mitral valve pathology, and estimation of mitral valve function at operation after repair. Mitral valve pathophysiology affected the actuarial freedom from mitral valve replacement (p = 0.023 [log-rank]). Actuarial freedom from mitral valve reoperation was 90% at 5 years and 80% at 8 years in patients who had either pure mitral regurgitation or isolated mitral stenosis compared with 80% and 72% at 5 and 10 years, respectively, in patients who had mixed mitral stenosis and regurgitation (p = 0.023). Patients undergoing late reoperation were younger (51.7 +/- 1.56 years [+/- the standard error of the mean]) than those not having reoperation (p less than 0.0003). Durability of the repair was less in patients with rheumatic heart disease (p less than 0.025) and greater in patients with ischemic heart disease (p less than 0.004). Seventy-three percent of patients undergoing reoperation had concomitant operations compared with 68% of those not having reoperation (p less than 0.001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

A comparison of mitral valve reconstruction with mitral valve replacement: intermediate-term results

The continued good results after mitral valve reconstruction prompted this retrospective study to compare operative and late results from our institutional experience since 1976 with 975 porcine mitral valve replacements (MVRs) (1976 to December 1987), 169 mechanical MVRs (1976 to December 1987), and 280 Carpentier-type mitral valve reconstructions (CVRs) (1980 to mid-1988). The operative mortality was 2.0% for isolated CVR, 6.6% for isolated mechanical MVR, and 8.5% for isolated porcine MVR. The overall operative mortality was 5.0% for CVR, 16.6% for mechanical MVR, and 10.6% for porcine MVR. The overall 5-year survival including hospital deaths was 76% for CVR, 72% for mechanical MVR, and 69% for porcine MVR. By multivariate analysis, the predictors of increased operative risk and of decreased survival were age, New York Heart Association functional class IV status, previous cardiac operation, and performance of concomitant cardiac surgical procedures. The type of valvular procedure was not predictive of operative risk or overall survival. The 5-year freedom from reoperation was 94.4% for nonrheumatic patients having CVR, 77.4% for rheumatic patients having CVR, 96.4% for mechanical MVR, and 96.6% for porcine MVR (p less than 0.05, rheumatic patients with CVR versus both MVR groups). The 5-year freedom from all valve-related morbidity and mortality was significantly better for valve reconstruction compared with both types of valve replacement. Thus, the operative risk and late survival obtained after mitral valve reconstruction were at least equivalent to those obtained after MVR. In addition, patients receiving mitral valve reconstruction had less valve-related combined morbidity than patients receiving valve replacement, thus making mitral valve reconstruction preferable in some patients with mitral insufficiency.     

Annular reconstruction for mitral valve replacement in a destroyed or calcified mitral annulus

Mitral valve replacement in the presence of severe annular calcification and an infectious lesion may be complicated by atrioventricular rupture, left circumflex coronary artery injury, and recurrence of infective endocarditis. Confronted with these circumstances, we have developed a technique of annular reconstruction for mitral valve replacement. The prosthetic valve is made by enlarging the circumference of the sewing ring with a Dacron collar. The collar can be sutured to the left atrial wall above the mitral annulus. This technique has been employed in five patients: three had extensive annular calcification, and two had acute valve endocarditis with destruction of mitral annulus. In all cases, the circumferential or partial annular reconstruction permitted secure implantation of the prosthetic valve. The one postoperative death was related to hemodialysis due to chronic renal failure. There were no other fatalities during the postoperative course, and the valves functioned normally. Our results suggest that this technique can be performed in high operative risk patients when mitral valve replacement is impossible using conventional techniques.     

Technical considerations for improved access to the mitral valve for reconstruction

Good exposure is mandatory for the repair or reconstruction of mitral valve, especially when the left atrium is small. We describe the advantages of dividing the pericardial reflections on the vena cavae and transection of the superior vena cava near the cavoatrial junction to facilitate improved visualisation and convenient access to the mitral valve.     

Surgical outcomes of mitral valve replacement with concomitant mitral annular reconstruction

Background and aim of the study

We evaluated the early and long‐term outcomes of mitral annular reconstruction (MAR) with pericardium during mitral valve replacement (MVR), and analyzed the risk factors associated with post‐operative mortality.

Methods

Between May 1997 and April 2013, 78 consecutive patients underwent MVR with MAR. The indications for MAR were treatment for annular infection in native valve endocarditis (n = 23, 29.5%) or prosthetic valve endocarditis (n = 26, 33.3%), reinforcement of damaged annulus resulting from a previous operation (n = 17, 21.8%), complete excision of extensive calcification (n = 9, 11.5%), and left ventricular or left atrial rupture (n = 3, 3.8%). Patients were classified into infective endocarditis (n = 49) and non‐endocarditis groups (n = 29). The mean follow‐up period was 59.4 ± 47.3 months.

Results

There were two operative deaths and 11 cases of late mortality in the endocarditis group and five cases in the non‐endocarditis group. Late prosthetic valve endocarditis occurred in four patients. The overall survival rate at 1 and 10 years was 94.8% and 65.1%, respectively. There was no statistical difference in the overall survival, freedom from reoperation, and freedom from endocarditis rates between the groups (P = 0.565, P = 0.635, and P = 0.449, respectively). Univariable and multivariable analyses revealed that pre‐operative left ventricular dysfunction (ejection fraction <40%) was an independent predictor of overall mortality.

Conclusions

The early and long‐term results of MAR with pericardium during MVR are acceptable in both endocarditis and non‐endocarditis patients.     

Simple and easy method for chordal reconstruction during mitral valve repair

We describe a simple reproducible method for chordal replacement using expanded polytetrafluoroethylene sutures during a mitral valve repair. With this technique, fine length adjustments of the new chordae are easy to make and it is possible to tie the two ends of the suture securely without slippage.     

Aortic valve insufficiency: leaflet reconstruction techniques

The introduction of effective and durable leaflet repair techniques have enabled repair of the regurgitant aortic valve. Aortic valve repair is favored to avoid the placement of a prosthesis that the patient will likely outgrow. Furthermore, repair has the potential to reduce the incidence of prosthesis-related complications, including endocarditis, thromboembolism, anticoagulant-related hemorrhage, and reoperation. The primary goal of all aortic valve repair is to restore a durable surface of coaptation to the regurgitant valve. The key to successful leaflet repair for aortic insufficiency is a thorough understanding of the mechanism of dysfunction. We have developed a systematic approach to the assessment and repair of aortic insufficiency because of leaflet disease. The combination of leaflet repair and functional aortic annulus annuloplasty can restore the proper geometry of the aortic valve complex and allow for successful repair of aortic insufficiency caused by both restriction and prolapse.     

Late results of mitral valve reconstruction in the elderly

BACKGROUND: This study attempts to confirm favorable results with mitral valve reconstruction (MVP) in patients greater than or equal to 70 years of age and to examine complication rates by actual analysis. METHODS: Between June of 1980 and December of 1997, 278 patients 70 years of age or older (mean, 75.2 years; range, 70 to 87 years) underwent MVP for mitral regurgitation. Most involved insertion of an annuloplasty ring. Concomitant procedures were performed in 72.3%, and 55.0% required coronary revascularization. RESULTS: For isolated MVP, the in-hospital mortality rate was 6.5% and 17.0% when combined with coronary revascularization. The mortality rate when combined with another valve procedure was 13.2%. The 5-year freedom from late cardiac death was 100% in the isolated MVP group and 79.7% for MVP with a concomitant procedure (p = 0.006). Complications were analyzed using actual (cumulative incidence) analysis to eliminate the competing risk of noncardiac death. Mean NYHA class improved from 3.32 to 1.71 postoperatively. Repair failure was rare, with a 5-year freedom from reoperation of 91.2%. CONCLUSIONS: These findings confirm the favorable outcome of MVP in elderly patients. Late repair failures are rare; comorbid disease is an important predictor of outcome.     

A complex mitral valve reconstruction: a case report

Several techniques are currently in use for mitral valve reconstruction. We report a mitral repair case in which the use of a combination of different surgical techniques resulted in the necessary correction. A 47-year-old woman underwent surgical intervention to treat severe mitral valve insufficiency due to A1/A2/A3 and P2 prolapsed valve tissue. A combination of quadrangular resection, sliding leaflet, single chordal transposition, "flip-over" leaflet, and ring annuloplasty techniques were applied, and postsurgical correct valve function was documented by results of a left ventricular saline filling test and transesophageal echocardiography control. Complex mitral valve repairing techniques can be combined to reestablish valvular function.     

Experiences with the Carpentier techniques of mitral valve reconstruction in 103 patients (1980-1985)

A total of 103 patients, age range 2 to 77 years, had some type of Carpentier reconstruction for mitral insufficiency. The mitral insufficiency resulted from ruptured chordae in 52, prolapse in 13, rheumatic fever in 16, coronary disease in eight, congenital disease in nine, and endocarditis in five. Multiple abnormalities were usually present. Four patients had severe calcification of the anulus. A reconstruction was accomplished in almost all patients. A ring annuloplasty was performed in all but two small children, but annuloplasty alone was adequate in only 17 patients. Fifty-eight had resection of 1 to 4 cm of diseased mitral leaflet. In 23 patients, chordal transposition or shortening was employed. Aortic leaflet repair was done in 28. Shortened, fused chordae (one to eight) were divided in 13 patients. Additional procedures performed in 28 patients included coronary bypass in 14. A successful repair was accomplished in all but one patient (moderate residual insufficiency). Two late hospital deaths were unrelated to the mitral repair. Following hospital discharge, ring dehiscence necessitated repeat operation in one patient. Thromboembolism produced a permanent minor neurological deficit in only one patient. There have been no late recurrences of insufficiency. Recurrent endocarditis necessitated valve replacement in three patients. A late Doppler evaluation of 95 patients for mitral insufficiency revealed none in 82, a trace in 12, and moderate insufficiency in one. Late catheterization in 16 patients revealed no insufficiency. The data suggest that reconstruction, rather than prosthetic valve replacement, can be successfully performed in over 90% of patients with nonrheumatic, noncalcified mitral valves. A much wider use of the technique seems strongly indicated.     

改良二尖瓣成形术治疗小儿二尖瓣反流

目的 总结改良二尖瓣成形术在小儿二尖瓣反流中的治疗经验。方法 1999年3月至2009年12月共收治小二尖瓣中、重度反流行改良二尖瓣成形术患儿106例。全组男69例,女37例;年龄0.4～8.5岁,平均(3.7±1.8)岁;体重6.6 ～52.0 kg,平均(10.0±3.5)kg。术前超声评估左心室功能。按年龄分为3组：＜6个月16例;6个月到2岁51例;2岁到8.5岁39例。另有7例合并二尖瓣狭窄,根据术前血流动力学、功能状况和解剖结构分别采用取不同的手术方法。结果 死亡3例(2.8％),其中2例为术后二尖瓣反流加重严重影响心功能,1例为合并难以纠治的肺高压。其他患儿恢复良好。结论 对于小儿二尖瓣反流行成形术可行,术后早期效果良好,瓣膜发育尚可,再手术率相对较低。对小儿二尖瓣反流早期干预可以减少瓣膜损害。     

The rheumatic mitral valve and repair techniques in children

The mitral valve is the most commonly affected valve in acute and chronic rheumatic heart disease in the first and second decades of life. Pure or predominant mitral regurgitation with non-significant stenosis (mitral valve area > 1.5 cm(2) on echocardiography) is the most frequently encountered valvular dysfunction in children. In our experience, based on 428 children operated between 1993 and 2011 at our institution, functional classification based on leaflet motion assessed by echocardiography and reconfirmed peroperatively revealed pure annulus dilatation (type I) in 7% of patients, anterior leaflet prolapse (type IIa) in 33%, combination of anterior leaflet pseudoprolapse with restricted motion of the posterior leaflet (type pseudoIIa/IIIp) in 34%, and restricted anterior and posterior leaflet motion (type IIIa/p) in 26%. Patients with type III were older than those with type IIa and type pseudoIIa/IIIp. Different techniques can be used to repair rheumatic mitral valve lesions: prolapse of the anterior leaflet caused by chordal elongation or rupture can be treated by chordal shortening, chordal transfer, or artificial chordal replacement; restricted motion of the anterior and/or posterior leaflet can be treated by commissurotomy, splitting of the papillary muscles, resection of the secondary, or sometimes primary posterior chordae, posterior leaflet free edge suspension, leaflet thinning, and leaflet enlargement using autologous pericardium. Because mitral annulus dilatation is present in almost all patients with mitral regurgitation, concomitant ring annuloplasty offers more stability in valve repair, improving long-term outcome. The major causes for failure of rheumatic mitral valve repair are the presence of ongoing rheumatic inflammation at the time of surgery, use of inappropriate techniques, technical failures requiring early reoperation, lack of concomitant ring annuloplasty, and progression of leaflet and chordal disease further resulting in more leaflet retraction, thickening, and deformity. Freedom from reoperation depends on mitral regurgitation functional type, the type IIa and type pseudoIIa/IIIp having a better long-term outcome than type I and type III, in our series. In conclusion, mitral valve repair should be a preferred strategy in children with rheumatic heart disease whenever feasible, providing stable actuarial survival with fewer thromboembolic complications in a pediatric population noncompliant to anticoagulation.     

Reoperation in mitral valve repair for regurgitant mitral valve disease

Objectives: Reviewing reoperative mitral valve repair, we evaluated a predictor for future reoperation by comparing degenerative and rheumatic mitral regurgitation. Methods: From June 1988 to September 2002, 159 patients with mitral valve regurgitation underwent a variety of surgical reconstruction. Our 9 subjects −2 men and 7 women with a mean age of 55.3 years—including 1 undergoing initial repair at an other hospital, underwent reoperation for mitral valve lesions. Four patients had rheumatic (Group R) and 5 degenerative (Group D) mitral valve disease. We studied reoperative outcomes and initial procedures were retrospectively. Results: The mean interval from initial repair was 111 months. Mitral valve lesions at reoperation in Group D were annular dilation in 3, leaflet prolapse in 1, and suture disruption in 1, while that in Group R involved severe thickening of both leafle. Rerepair was possible in 3 patients of Group D, but all others, (including Group R patients) required valve replacement. All survived reoperation. Conclusions: Rerepair in rheumatic mitral regurgitation, rerepair was difficult. In degenerative mitral valve regurgitation, however, rerepair was possible because procedure-related origin was a major cause of reoperation. Reoperation can be prevented by proper technical improvement at initial repair.