Short-Term Results of Transapical Transcatheter Mitral Valve Implantation for Mitral Regurgitation

Background

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is the most common valvular heart disease, and mitral valve surgery is the gold standard therapy for severe MR. Many patients with severe MR are not referred for surgery because of old age, comorbidities, or severe left ventricular dysfunction. Transcatheter mitral valve implantation may be a better therapeutic option for these high-risk patients with severe symptomatic MR.

Objectives

This study sought to describe the first-in-man series of transapical mitral valve implantation for mitral regurgitation with the TIARA device.

Methods

Extensive preclinical ex vivo and animal studies were conducted with the transapical mitral valve implantation of the Tiara system. The first 2 cases of human implantation were successfully performed in a 73-year-old man and a 61-year-old woman with severe functional MR. Both patients were in New York Heart Association class IV heart failure with depressed left ventricular ejection fraction, pulmonary hypertension, and additional comorbidities.

Results

The valve was implanted uneventfully in both patients. General anesthesia and transapical access were used. Patients were hemodynamically stable with no need for cardiopulmonary bypass. Immediately after implantation, systemic arterial pressure and stroke volume increased and pulmonary pressure decreased dramatically. There were no intraoperative complications, and both patients were extubated in the operating room. Post-procedural echocardiograms at 48 h, 1 month, and 2 months demonstrated excellent prosthetic valve function with a low transvalvular gradient and no left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. There was a trivial paravalvular leak in the first patient at 48 h, which was completely resolved at subsequent studies; no paravalvular leak occurred in the second patient.

Conclusions

Transapical transcatheter mitral valve implantation is technically feasible and can be performed safely. Early hemodynamic performance of the prosthesis was excellent. Transcatheter mitral valve implantation may become an important treatment option for patients with severe MR who are at high operative risk.     

Improved Functional Status and Quality of Life in Prohibitive Surgical Risk Patients With Degenerative Mitral Regurgitation After Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair

Background

Surgical mitral valve repair (SMVR) remains the gold standard for severe degenerative mitral regurgitation (DMR). However, the results with transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR) in prohibitive-risk DMR patients have not been previously reported.

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate treatment of mitral regurgitation (MR) in patients with severe DMR at prohibitive surgical risk undergoing TMVR.

Methods

A prohibitive-risk DMR cohort was identified by a multidisciplinary heart team that retrospectively evaluated high-risk DMR patients enrolled in the EVEREST (Endovascular Valve Edge-to-Edge Repair Study) II studies.

Results

A total of 141 high-risk DMR patients were consecutively enrolled; 127 of these patients were retrospectively identified as meeting the definition of prohibitive risk and had 1-year follow-up (median: 1.47 years) available. Patients were elderly (mean age: 82.4 years), severely symptomatic (87% New York Heart Association class III/IV), and at prohibitive surgical risk (STS score: 13.2 ± 7.3%). TMVR (MitraClip) was successfully performed in 95.3%; hospital stay was 2.9 ± 3.1 days. Major adverse events at 30 days included death in 6.3%, myocardial infarction in 0.8%, and stroke in 2.4%. Through 1 year, there were a total of 30 deaths (23.6%), with no survival difference between patients discharged with MR ≤1+ or MR 2+. At 1 year, the majority of surviving patients (82.9%) remained MR ≤2+ at 1 year, and 86.9% were in New York Heart Association functional class I or II. Left ventricular end-diastolic volume decreased (from 125.1 ± 40.1 ml to 108.5 ± 37.9 ml; p < 0.0001 [n = 69 survivors with paired data]). SF-36 quality-of-life scores improved and hospitalizations for heart failure were reduced in patients whose MR was reduced.

Conclusions

TMVR in prohibitive surgical risk patients is associated with safety and good clinical outcomes, including decreases in rehospitalization, functional improvements, and favorable ventricular remodeling, at 1 year. (Real World Expanded Multi-center Study of the MitraClip System [REALISM]; NCT01931956)     

The mechanism of mitral regurgitation in dilated left ventricle

To assess the mechanism of mitral regurgitation in ventricular dilatation, 24 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (13 with and 11 without mitral regurgitation) and 10 normal individuals were studied by two-dimensional echocardiography. Left ventricular dimensions and mitral ring diameters in systole and diastole were measured in the long-axis section, and systolic interpapillary muscle distance in the short-axis section. The results showed: (1) Mitral ring diameter is increased in most patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. (2) Neither increased ring diameter, reduced ring contraction, nor decreased interpapillary muscle distance determine the presence of mitral regurgitation. (3) The only difference between those patients with and without mitral regurgitation was the degree of left ventricular dilatation (p<0.05).     

Percutaneous Mitral Valve Repair for Mitral Regurgitation in High-Risk Patients : Results of the EVEREST II Study

Background

The EVEREST II (Endovascular Valve Edge-to-Edge REpair STudy) High-Risk registry and REALISM Continued Access Study High-Risk Arm are prospective registries of patients who received the MitraClip device (Abbott Vascular, Santa Clara, California) for mitral regurgitation (MR) in the United States.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to report 12-month outcomes in high-risk patients treated with the percutaneous mitral valve edge-to-edge repair.

Methods

Patients with grades 3 to 4+ MR and a surgical mortality risk of ≥12%, based on the Society of Thoracic Surgeons risk calculator or the estimate of a surgeon coinvestigator following pre-specified protocol criteria, were enrolled.

Results

In the studies, 327 of 351 patients completed 12 months of follow-up. Patients were elderly (76 ± 11 years of age), with 70% having functional MR and 60% having prior cardiac surgery. The mitral valve device reduced MR to ≤2+ in 86% of patients at discharge (n = 325; p < 0.0001). Major adverse events at 30 days included death in 4.8%, myocardial infarction in 1.1%, and stroke in 2.6%. At 12 months, MR was ≤2+ in 84% of patients (n = 225; p < 0.0001). From baseline to 12 months, left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic volume improved from 161 ± 56 ml to 143 ± 53 ml (n = 203; p < 0.0001) and LV end-systolic volume improved from 87 ± 47 ml to 79 ± 44 ml (n = 202; p < 0.0001). New York Heart Association functional class improved from 82% in class III/IV at baseline to 83% in class I/II at 12 months (n = 234; p < 0.0001). The 36-item Short Form Health Survey physical and mental quality-of-life scores improved from baseline to 12 months (n = 191; p < 0.0001). Annual hospitalization rate for heart failure fell from 0.79% pre-procedure to 0.41% post-procedure (n = 338; p < 0.0001). Kaplan-Meier survival estimate at 12 months was 77.2%.

Conclusions

The percutaneous mitral valve device significantly reduced MR, improved clinical symptoms, and decreased LV dimensions at 12 months in this high-surgical-risk cohort. (Endovascular Valve Edge-to-Edge REpair STudy [EVERESTIIRCT]; NCT00209274)     

Psycho-emotional Manifestations of Valvular Heart Diseases: Prospective Assessment in Mitral Regurgitation

Objective

To define the prevalence and consequences of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as an emotional response to cardiac diseases in patients with mitral regurgitation.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled 186 patients with moderate or severe organic mitral regurgitation, presenting class I (absent) or II (minimal) dyspnea, who were compared with 80 controls of similar age (38 with completely normal cardiac function; 42 with mild mitral-valve prolapse; all with no, or at most mild, mitral regurgitation). Mitral-regurgitation severity and consequences were comprehensively measured, simultaneously with PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

Results

PTSD prevalence was higher in mitral-regurgitation patients vs controls (23% vs 9%, P <.01). Although mitral-regurgitation objective severity (regurgitant volume 77.8 ± 28.9 vs 79.0 ± 27.5 mL, P = .8) and objective consequences (left-atrial volume 59.1 ± 20.9 vs 54.02 ± 15.6 mL, P = .1; right-ventricular systolic pressure 34.1 ± 11.4 vs 32.9 ± 7.2 mm Hg, P = .6) were similar with and without PTSD (all P ≥.1), patients with PTSD were more symptomatic (class II 74 vs 38%; fatigue 71% vs 38%, both P <.0001) and had higher anxiety and depressions scores (P <.0001).

Conclusions

PTSD is prevalent in organic moderate or severe mitral-regurgitation patients but is not determined by objective mitral-regurgitation severity or consequences. PTSD is linked to anxiety and depression and to symptoms usually considered cardiac, such as dyspnea. Thus, PTSD and psycho-emotional manifestations, linked to symptoms, represent important responses to chronic-valve disease that may affect clinical outcomes.     

1-Year Outcomes of Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement in Patients With Severe Mitral Annular Calcification

Background

The risk of surgical mitral valve replacement in patients with severe mitral annular calcification (MAC) is high. Several patients worldwide with severe MAC have been treated successfully with transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) using balloon-expandable aortic transcatheter valves. The TMVR in MAC Global Registry is a multicenter registry that collects data on outcomes of these procedures.

Echocardiographic findings in children with Marfan syndrome

Background

The typical cardiac manifestations of Marfan syndrome are aortic regurgitation with progressive dilatation of the aortic root, which may cause dissection and rupture of the ascending aorta, mitral valve prolapse and mitral valve regurgitation. In this study, we aimed to show echocardiographic findings in 11 patients with Marfan syndrome.

Methods

Diagnosis of Marfan syndrome was based on the Ghent criteria. All patients had a full echocardiographic evaluation. During the evaluation, we investigated the presence of mitral valve prolapse, mitral valve regurgitation, tricuspid valve prolapse, dilatation of the aortic root, and aortic regurgitation.

Results

Eleven patients were diagnosed as Marfan syndrome (seven male, four female, age 4–14 years). All had mitral valve prolapse (nine with mitral valve regurgitation). Among these 11 patients, seven had accompanying tricuspid valve prolapse, six had dilatation of the aortic root and two had aortic regurgitation.

Conclusion

Eleven patients in our clinic were diagnosed as Marfan syndrome since they had distinct characteristics of marfanoid phenotype. Echocardiographic evaluation of these patients showed marked heart valve involvement. In Marfan syndrome, it is known that the aortic valve is affected following mitral valve involvement. In our experience, aortic root dilatation is less common. However, particular attention should be given to following up aortic root status with non-invasive echocardiography to institute measures to prevent complications.     

Mitral Regurgitation and Increased Risk of All-Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Background

Mitral regurgitation is the most common heart valve disease in the general population, but little is known about the prevalence and prognostic implications of mitral regurgitation in patients with type 2 diabetes.

经胸实时三维超声心动图评价不同程度缺血性二尖瓣反流患者的二尖瓣构型

目的应用经胸实时三维超声心动图定量评价不同反流程度的缺血性二尖瓣构型改变情况,并分析各参数与反流量的相关性,为临床治疗提供参考。方法收集缺血性二尖瓣反流的患者92例为病例组,根据反流程度分为轻度组(34例)、中度组(31例)、重度组(27例)3个亚组,同时选取40例健康者为对照组。各组均行常规超声心动图检查与经胸实时三维超声检查。二维超声参数包括:左室射血分数(LVEF)、左室舒张末期容积(LVEDV)、左室收缩末期容积(LVESV)、前后乳头肌分别到二尖瓣前瓣环之间的距离(APM-AMA、LPM-AMA)、乳头肌间距离(IPMD)。三维超声参数包括:瓣环前后径(DAP)、瓣环前外侧至后内侧直径(AL-PM)、非平面角度(NPA)、幕状区高度(HTent)、瓣环三维面积(A3D)、瓣环周长(AC)、前叶面积(A Ant)、后叶面积(A Post)、幕状区体积(VTent)。比较各组各参数之间的差异及相关性。结果轻度组LVEDV、LVESV、NPA均大于对照组,中、重度组IPMD、PPM-AMA、DAP、ALPM、AC、A3D、A Ant、A Post、HTent、VTent大于对照组,中、重度组LVEF小于对照组,重度组APM-AMA均大于对照组,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。VTent与EROA相关性最强(r=0.64,P<0.05),IPMD与VTent有较强的相关性(r=0.58,P<0.05)。结论经胸实时三维超声心动图可以评估不同反流程度的缺血性二尖瓣反流构型,中度及以上反流二尖瓣构型会发生明显改变,VTent与EROA相关性最强,IPMD与VTent有较强的相关性,该结果有益于外科对于IMR治疗策略的制定。     

High Prevalence of Unrecognized Chordae Tendineae Rupture in Mitral Valve Prolapse Patients Undergoing Valve Replacement Surgery

Background

Not infrequently, chordae tendineae rupture, which was not recognized preoperatively using echocardiography, was found during mitral valve (MV) surgery in patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR) diagnosed with MV prolapse. We evaluated the incidence and predictors of echocardiographically-unrecognized chordae tendineae rupture in patients with severe MR because of MV prolapse.

Methods

We enrolled 124 patients undergoing MV surgery for severe MR because of nonrheumatic MV prolapse. Patients with MR because of infective endocarditis, ischemic heart disease, or echocardiographically-detected chordal rupture were excluded. The study sample was divided into 2 groups: surgically-proven chordae tendineae rupture (n = 51), and no chordae rupture (n = 73).

Results

Echocardiographically-unrecognized chordae tendineae rupture was found in 51 (41%) of 124 patients undergoing MV surgery because of MR. It was more common in patients with posterior or single-leaflet prolapse. Although the severity of MR was greater in patients with chordal rupture, left atrial volume index was smaller compared with those without. In a multivariate analysis, involvement of posterior leaflet (odds ratio [OR], 2.80; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15-6.84) or single leaflet (OR, 3.18; 95% CI, 1.07-9.45), MR severity (OR, 4.76; 95% CI, 1.96-11.59), and left atrial volume index (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.96-0.99) were independently associated with chordal rupture (P < 0.05 for all).

Conclusions

Unrecognized chordae tendineae rupture is a common unrecognized contributor to severe MR necessitating valve replacement in MV prolapse patients. Earlier recognition and more specific management might contribute to improved prognosis for such patients.     

Diastolic Mitral Regurgitation

An 89-year-old female with a history of hypertension presented to the hospital with symptoms of fatigue. Her electrocardiogram (ECG) showed high-grade atrioventricular (AV) block, so a transthoracic echocardiogram was obtained to assess for structural heart abnormalities (Figure 1). Color Doppler showed mild mitral regurgitation (MR) extending into diastole. Temporal interrogation of the MR jet using continuous wave Doppler confirmed the diastolic component.Open in a separate windowFigure 1The hemodynamic elements of this mitral regurgitation (MR) are dissected and explained. MR: mitral regurgitation; LA: left atrial; LV: left ventricle; LVEDP: left ventricular end-diastolic pressure.Diastolic MR is generally described in the setting of AV dissociation. In patients with high-degree AV block and underlying sinus rhythm, the prolonged diastolic time with accompanying superimposed left atrial (LA) contractions will lead to a significant elevation in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), creating a reverse gradient favoring flow from the left ventricle back into the LA during diastole. Diastolic MR also can occur with substantial elevations in LVEDP in restrictive cardiomyopathies and acute severe aortic regurgitation.     

Values for Mitral Valve Annulus Dimensions in Normals and Patients with Mitral Regurgitation

Objectives. The present study was designed to investigate the dimensions of mitral valve annulus in the presence of mitral regurgitation. Method. Fifty-four patients were examined. On transthoracic echocardiographic images, we performed linear measurements in the parasternal plane in order to define the size of the left ventricle, left atrium, and mitral valve annulus. We compared these findings with those obtained in 16 control subjects. Results. Twenty-one patients with mild or moderate mitral regurgitation demonstrated no significant change of the mitral valve annulus compared with the control group (P > 0.05). Seventeen patients with severe mitral regurgitation (grade of 4) had a significant increase of the dimensions of the mitral valve annulus, left ventricle, and left atrium (P < 0.05). The etiology of mitral regurgitation was degenerative in 32 patients, rheumatic in 2 patients, and mitral valve prolapse in 4 patients. All patients had normal left ventricular systolic function. Thirty-one patients were in normal sinus rhythm, and seven were in atrial fibrillation. Conclusions. The measurement of the diameter of the mitral valve annulus is feasible with transthoracic echo-cardiography. In addition to the evaluation of mitral valve leaflets and subvalvular apparatus, the measurement of the mitral valve annulus is important in the evaluation of mitral regurgitation, as its enlargement is indicative for severe mitral regurgitation .     

Transcatheter Mitral Valve Therapy: Defining the Patient Who Will Benefit

Purpose of Review

This report aims to define the clinical and anatomic variables key in determining patient suitability for transcatheter mitral valve therapies.

Recent Findings

Candidacy for transcatheter mitral valve repair requires weighing the clinical variables that may impact the ability to improve patient symptoms and prolong survival that include left ventricular ejection fraction, symptom severity, pulmonary hypertension, and magnitude of residual regurgitation or stenosis. Individualized selection of transcatheter repair or replacement based on patho-anatomy is being explored. The primary goal is achieving significant reduction in mitral regurgitation.

Summary

Transcatheter mitral valve replacement requires rigorous anatomic screening using computed tomography and candidates should be able to take oral anticoagulation. Selection of patients for transcatheter mitral valve repair is complex and requires intimate knowledge of clinical variables and specific device limitations.

     

Subvalvular apparatus and adverse outcome of balloon valvotomy in rheumatic mitral stenosis

Background

Balloon mitral valvotomy (BMV) is a well-established therapeutic modality for rheumatic mitral stenosis (RMS). However, there are chances of procedural failure and the more ominous post-procedural severe mitral regurgitation. There are only a few prospective studies, which have evaluated the pathogenic mechanisms for these major complications of BMV, especially in relation to the subvalvular apparatus (SVA) pathology.

Methods

All symptomatic patients of RMS suitable for BMV by echocardiographic criteria in a span of 1 year were selected. In addition to the standard echocardiographic assessment of RMS (Wilkins score and score by Padial et al.), a separate grading and scoring system was assigned to evaluate the severity of the SVA pathology. The SVA score was ‘I’, when none of the two SVAs had severe disease, ‘II’ when one of the two SVAs has severe disease, and ‘III’ when both SVAs had severe disease. With these scoring systems, the outcomes of BMV (successful procedure, failure, and post-procedural mitral regurgitation) were analyzed. Emergency valve replacement was performed depending on clinical situation, and in cases of replacement, the pathology of the excised mitral valves were compared with echocardiographic findings.

Results

Of the 356 BMVs performed in a year, 43 patients had adverse outcomes in the form of failed procedure (14 patients) and mitral regurgitation (29 patients). Forty-one among these had a SVA score of III. The sensitivity and specificity of the MR score was lesser than the SVA score (sensitivity 0.34 vs. 1.00, specificity 0.92 vs. 0.99, respectively). The mitral valvular morphology in 39 patients who underwent post-procedural valve replacements correlated well with echocardiography findings.

Conclusion

It is important to assess the degree of SVA pathology in the conventional echocardiographic assessment for RMS, as BMV would have adverse events when both SVAs were severely diseased.     

Mitral Valve Interventions in Structural Heart Disease

Purpose of review

Analyze the current state of the art and the future perspectives of mitral interventions in clinical setting.

Recent Findings

A systematic and critical review of the new mitral percutaneous therapies and imaging technologies is the basis to adopt the right treatment for each patient according to specific valve dysfunction and clinical presentation, waiting for definitive guidelines. While surgical mitral repair will remain the gold standard for low-risk healthy patients with degenerative mitral regurgitation (DMR), transcatheter mitral valve repair is becoming first line therapy in high risk patients with functional mitral regurgitation (FMR). The introduction of transcatheter mitral valve replacement will expand indications for advanced DMR and FMR in inoperable patients.

Summary

The introduction of transcatheter mitral interventions is changing the mitral therapy scenario. Mitral interventionalists might evolve into hybrid professional figures able to offer a tailored approach for each patient, including surgical and percutaneous approaches, depending on the anatomo-functional status of the valve, to clinical conditions, and to the timing of the intervention.

     

Pre-operative CT coronary angiography in patients with mitral valve prolapse referred for surgical repair: Comparison of accuracy,radiation dose and cost versus invasive coronary angiography

Background

The aims of this study are to evaluate the accuracy of low dose multidetector computed tomography coronary angiography (MDCT) versus invasive coronary angiography (ICA) in ruling out CAD in patients with mitral valve prolapse and severe mitral regurgitation (MVP) before cardiac surgery and to compare the overall effective radiation dose (ED) and cost of a diagnostic approach in which conventional ICA should be performed only in patients with significant CAD as detected by MDCT.

Methods

Eighty patients with MVP and without history of CAD were randomized to MDCT (Group 1) or ICA (Group 2) to rule out CAD before surgery. However, ICA was also performed as gold standard reference in Group 1 to test the diagnostic accuracy of MDCT. A diagnostic work-up A in whom all patients underwent low-dose MDCT as initial diagnostic test and those with positive findings were referred for ICA was compared with work-up B in which all patients were referred for ICA according to the standard of care in terms of ED and cost.

Results

The two groups were homogeneous in terms of gender, age and body mass index. The overall feasibility and accuracy in a patient-based model were 99% and 93%, respectively. The overall ED and costs were significantly lower in diagnostic work-up A compared to diagnostic work-up B.

Conclusions

The accuracy of low dose MDCT for ruling out the presence of significant CAD in patients undergoing elective valve surgery for mitral valve prolapse is excellent with a reduction of overall radiation dose exposure and costs.     

Ring Annuloplasty in Chronic Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation: Encouraging Early and Midterm Results

Ischemic mitral regurgitation, a complication of myocardial infarction, is associated with a poor prognosis and can result in postinfarction congestive heart failure. The preferred treatment of its chronic form is a matter of debate. Herein, we report the early and midterm results in 44 patients with chronic ischemic mitral regurgitation in whom concomitant mitral ring annuloplasty and coronary revascularization were performed at our hospital.We reviewed their medical records. The patients had grades 3/4 and 4/4 chronic ischemic mitral regurgitation, or grade 2/4 regurgitation with left ventricular dilation and low left ventricular ejection fraction. All received circular, flexible annuloplasty rings.Four patients died during the early postoperative period due to low cardiac output (9.1%). At the last follow-up echocardiographic examinations, performed a mean 13.14 ± 4.66 months after the surgical procedures (range, 6–22 mo), the 40 surviving patients were found to have significantly reduced left ventricular end-diastolic (P = 0.029) and end-systolic (P < 0.05) diameters and improved New York Heart Association functional class (P = 0).Despite a risk of residual regurgitation, mitral ring annuloplasty appears to be a good treatment alternative in selected patients who have chronic ischemic mitral regurgitation. We discuss the procedure''s rate of hospital mortality, and its potentially positive impact on survival.Key words: Cardiac surgical procedures, chronic disease, coronary artery bypass/mortality, coronary disease/complications/mortality/surgery, mitral valve/surgery, mitral valve insufficiency/complications/mortality/physiopathology/surgery, myocardial infarction/complications/mortality/physiopathology/surgery, myocardial revascularization, postoperative complications/mortality, prognosisIschemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) is a mechanical complication of myocardial infarction (MI) and a predictor of poor outcome. It is most frequently seen after inferior MI (in 38% of cases) and anteroseptal MI (in 10%).¹ Ischemic mitral regurgitation is clinically divided into 2 forms: acute and chronic. The acute form of IMR develops after an acute post-MI rupture of papillary muscle. Conversely, a widely accepted clinical definition of the chronic form has not yet been agreed upon. Borger and colleagues proposed a definition of the condition in their review.² Several mechanisms are responsible for the development of chronic IMR, including annular dilation; global left ventricular (LV) dilation together with a coaptation defect caused by the traction of the mitral valve leaflets due to the apical, posterior, and lateral displacement of both papillary muscles; and a local malfunction in the LV wall that adjoins a papillary muscle.³ Chronic IMR is found in 10% to 20% of patients with coronary artery disease,⁴ and it is a major cause of congestive heart failure after MI.⁵ Despite such prevalence, surgical intervention to correct IMR remains open to debate, because early hospital mortality rates are high and long-term survival rates are not satisfactory.Substantial improvements have been attained by use of valvular intervention in patients who exhibit heart failure and low LV ejection fraction (LVEF).^6–8 Our current approach is valvular intervention in patients with IMR grades 3/4 and 4/4, and in patients who have grade 2/4 IMR with LV dilation and a low LVEF. Previously, we performed mitral valve replacement (MVR), but we have come to prefer mitral ring annuloplasty (MRA). Here, we present and discuss the early and midterm results in 44 patients who underwent concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and MRA at our institution.     

Very Long Term Follow-Up After Percutaneous Balloon Mitral Valvuloplasty

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess very long term outcomes after successful percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty (PBMV).

Coronary Revascularization Alone or with Mitral Valve Repair: Outcomes in Patients with Moderate Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation

We sought to evaluate retrospectively the outcomes of patients at our hospital who had moderate ischemic mitral regurgitation and who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) alone or with concomitant mitral valve repair (CABG+MVr).A total of 83 patients had a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction and moderate mitral regurgitation: 28 patients underwent CABG+MVr, and 55 underwent CABG alone. Changes in mitral regurgitation, functional class, and left ventricular ejection fraction were compared in both groups.The mean follow-up was 5.1 ± 3.6 years (range, 0.1–15.1 yr). Reduction of 2 mitral-regurgitation grades was found in 85% of CABG+MVr patients versus 14% of CABG-only patients (P < 0.0001) at 1 year, and in 56% versus 14% at 5 years, respectively (P = 0.1), as well as improvements in left ventricular ejection fraction and functional class. One- and 5-year survival rates were similar in the CABG+MVr and CABG-only groups: 96% ± 3% versus 96% ± 4%, and 87% ± 5% versus 81% ± 8%, respectively (P = NS). Propensity analysis showed similar results. Recurrent (3+ or 4+) mitral regurgitation was found in 22% and 47% at late follow-up, respectively.In patients with moderate ischemic mitral regurgitation, either surgical approach led to an improvement in functional class. Early and intermediate-term mortality rates were low with either CABG or CABG+MVr. However, an increased rate of late recurrent mitral regurgitation in the CABG+MVr group was observed.Key words: Cardiac surgical procedures, coronary artery bypass, coronary disease/complications/surgery, disease-free survival/trends, matched-pair analysis, mitral valve insufficiency/physiopathology/surgery, multivariate analysis, myocardial ischemia/complications/surgery, myocardial revascularization/methods/statistics & numerical data, postoperative period, recurrence, risk assessmentCoronary artery disease (CAD) can lead to ischemic mitral regurgitation (MR) due to myocardial ischemia or infarction in the absence of any intrinsic organic disease of the mitral valve. Uncorrected chronic MR is associated with a poor prognosis in patients after coronary revascularization by means of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty.^1–5 Many investigators have evaluated the pathogenesis of ischemic MR and have been able to show the crucial role of changes in the geometry of the left ventricle (LV) and papillary muscle due to the myocardial scarring that results in annular dilation and leaflet tethering.^6–8 Because of higher morbidity and operative mortality rates associated with combined revascularization and mitral valve surgery,^3,4,9,10 some surgeons have advocated revascularization alone,^11,12 while others have recommended concomitant mitral valve surgery^{3,4,9,10,13–15} in order to optimize patients'' cardiac function and long-term prognosis.The clinical usefulness of combined surgery remains unclear due to the prolongation of cardiopulmonary bypass time and the additional technical complexity of such surgery in these patients. Although most surgeons would agree that mild MR can be treated by CABG alone and that severe MR should be corrected at the time of CABG, the optimal approach toward the management of moderate ischemic MR remains controversial. It has been shown that patients with moderate MR have lower survival rates after undergoing CABG alone than do patients who have no MR or mild MR,¹⁶ and that CABG alone leaves many patients with substantial residual MR.¹³ Although many studies have been undertaken in order to define the risk factors for high mortality rates and the appropriate approach, there is no clear consensus regarding the optimal treatment of these high-risk patients.Most published studies that have focused on differences in outcomes between CABG alone and with concomitant mitral valve repair (MVr) were not limited to a single MR grade, and various mitral valve surgical procedures were used. In this study, we reviewed the outcomes of the most problematic subgroup of patients in terms of surgical approach—patients with moderate MR. We evaluated the effectiveness of CABG alone and CABG with MVr with regard to changes in functional class, postoperative MR, LV function, and survival.