A technique for annular plication to facilitate sliding plasty after extensive mitral valve posterior leaflet resection

The sliding leaflet technique has been used in mitral valve repair in conjunction with posterior leaflet quadrangular resection to avoid left ventricular outflow tract obstruction secondary to systolic anterior motion of the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve. On occasion, despite the use of the sliding leaflet technique, reattachment of the edges of the posterior leaflet after extensive resection can be challenging because of excessive tension. My colleagues and I present our technique to ensure reattachment of the posterior leaflet without tension after extensive resection.     

Transaortic edge-to-edge mitral valve repair and left ventricular myectomy

Systolic anterior motion of mitral anterior leaflet is a serious clinical condition and it is hard to control medically. Alfieri edge-to-edge repair has been thought one of the useful techniques to improve abnormal anterior systolic motion with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. Here, we present a 71-year-old lady who had the left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, severe mitral valve regurgitation with systolic anterior motion. The patient had a history of aortic valve replacement 5 years ago. She was successfully treated with transaortic edge-to-edge mitral valve plasty and myectomy of the left ventricle. Postoperative course was uneventful.     

Mitral valve repair for a broad prolapse in the high posterior leaflet

We report a mitral valve repair for a broad prolapse in the high posterior leaflet. Prolapse in the high redundant posterior leaflet with elongation of the chordae had caused the severe mitral valve regurgitation in a 45-year-old man. At operation, the prolapsed portion of the middle scallop was quadrangularly resected in 22 mm wide and 17 mm high. We combined the sliding leaflet technique with the posterior leaflet folding plasty to reduce the height of the posterior leaflet and to lessen the degree of mitral annular plication. Mitral valve regurgitation disappeared after the operation. No left ventricular outflow obstruction associated with systolic anterior motion and no injury to the left circumflex artery were confirmed. These procedures after a broad resection of the high posterior leaflet could successfully prevent systolic anterior motion and injury to the left circumflex artery, and reduce the stress on the suture line of the leaflet.     

Robotic trans-mitral septal myectomy and papillary muscle reorientation for HOCM combined with or without mitral valve repair: Technical aspects – How we do it

Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) is one of the more common genetic disorders. The pathophysiology and natural history of the disease have been well studied. Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) and systolic anterior motion (SAM) of the anterior mitral leaflet can result in sudden cardiac death, progressive heart failure and arrythmias. Surgical septal myectomy for HOCM is the standard of care and is routinely performed through a median sternotomy. Septal myectomy has also been performed using the trans-atrial, trans-mitral approach either directly or with robotic assistance. In cases with severe LVOT obstruction in the setting of only mild to moderate proximal septal hypertrophy, intrinsic problems with the mitral valve contribute. Typically, these are hypermobile papillary muscles and or excessive height of the anterior mitral leaflet. Combining septal myectomy with reorientation of hypermobile anteriorly positioned papillary muscles has shown to prevent SAM and thereby additionally decrease the subvalvular aortic outflow obstruction. Our extensive experience in both septal myectomy and robotic mitral valve repair has given us a different perspective in approaching the primary mitral regurgitation in HOCM patients where a combined septal myectomy, papillary muscle reorientation and complex mitral valve repair has been safely performed using the less invasive robotic-assisted approach.Our objective here is to discuss the technical aspects of the procedure.     

Sustained improvement after combined anterior mitral valve leaflet retention plasty and septal myectomy in preventing systolic anterior motion in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy in children

Objective: Anatomic alterations of the mitral valve such as increased mitral leaflet area, length and laxity, and anterior displacement of the papillary muscles in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy predispose patients to residual systolic anterior motion and persistence of outflow obstruction and mitral regurgitation after septal myectomy. We investigate the long-term results of combined anterior mitral leaflet retention plasty and septal myectomy in children with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. Methods and results: Anterior mitral leaflet retention plasty and subaortic septal myectomy were performed in 12 children (mean age 10.8 ± 1.7 years) with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. Mean preoperative left ventricular outflow tract pressure gradient was 49 ± 11 mmHg. After careful assessment of the mobility of the anterior leaflet and subvalvular apparatus, segments of the anterior leaflet nearest the trigones were sutured to the corresponding posterior annulus with polypropylene reinforced with untreated autologous pericardial pledgets. Intraoperative valve orifice measurement based on age-related valve diameter ensures that no mitral stenosis is produced. Mean intraoperative pre- and post-septal myectomy pressure gradient was 60 ± 25 mmHg and 5 ± 6 mmHg, respectively. Post-myectomy mitral insufficiency was reduced to a regurgitant fraction of 0–10%. Mean follow-up is 11.85 ± 1.22 years. Mean left ventricular outflow tract pressure gradient was 6.2 ± 3.95 mmHg. No mortality, no repeat myectomy or repeat mitral valve repair or replacement, no mitral stenosis and no systolic anterior motion occurred. Conclusions: Long-term follow-up shows sustained absence of systolic anterior motion, attenuation of mitral regurgitation, sustained improvement in functional status, and reduction of outflow tract obstruction.     

Modified sliding leaflet technique for repair of the mitral valve

The sliding leaflet technique reduces the incidence of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction after mitral valve repair. We report a modification of this technique that simplifies the procedure.     

Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction After Mitral Valve Replacement

We describe a patient with left ventricular outflow tract obstruction after mitral valve replacement preserving the anterior subvalvular apparatus. Postoperative transesophageal echocardiography demonstrated systolic narrowing of the left ventricular outflow tract by a bulging septum and systolic anterior motion of the preserved anterior mitral leaflet. Septal myectomy and transaortic mitral apparatus resection enabled us to relieve the left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. This suggests that septal hypertrophy might be a relative contraindication to the preservation of the anterior mitral subvalvular apparatus in mitral replacement.     

Experience with twenty-eight cases of systolic anterior motion after mitral valve reconstruction by the Carpentier technique.

Systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve with left ventricular outflow tract obstruction after Carpentier-type mitral reconstruction with ring annuloplasty has led some surgeons to abandon an otherwise successful repair or to avoid use of a rigid ring. To assess the long-term significance of such motion, we studied 439 patients undergoing Carpenter mitral reconstruction at our institution between March 1981 and June 1990. The hospital mortality rate was 4.8% (21/439) overall and 3.7% (9/243) for isolated mitral reconstruction. Systolic anterior motion was found in 6.4% (28/438) after the operation, and 2.3% (10/438) had a coexisting left ventricular outflow tract gradient (mean 53 mm Hg). Of the 28 patients with systolic anterior motion, 27 (96.4%) had leaflet prolapse, 17 (60.7%) had undergone more than a 3 cm resection of the posterior leaflet, and two (7.1%) had preexisting idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis. All patients were treated medically, 14 with negative inotropic agents. Follow-up echocardiograms at a mean of 32 months demonstrated the disappearance of systolic anterior motion in 13 of 28 patients (46.4%) and resolution of the outflow tract gradient in 10 of 10 (100%). At follow-up only one patient was in New York Heart Association class III or IV and required reoperation for rheumatic mitral insufficiency. These data demonstrate that systolic anterior motion after Carpentier mitral reconstruction with ring annuloplasty is not prevalent and should be managed medically in most cases. Associated left ventricular outflow tract obstruction resolves with medical treatment.     

Cibenzoline attenuates systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve after mitral valvoplasty

We report a patient in whom severe hemodynamic instability occurring after mitral valvoplasty (MVP) was successfully treated with cibenzoline. Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) with mitral regurgitation (MR) resulting from the systolic anterior motion (SAM) of the mitral valve that occurs after MVP often leads to hemodynamic collapse. Patients who develop SAM after MVP have been managed with intravenous volume loading, reduction/discontinuation of inotropic drugs, and with increased afterload, but these strategies were often ineffective. Cibenzoline decreased myocardial contraction, attenuated SAM, and improved hemodynamics in our patient. We recommend that cibenzoline be administered before further surgical manipulation is considered for patients who develop SAM after MVP.     

Leaflet folding plasty for mitral valve repair

Objectives: Leaflet folding plasty was introduced for avoiding systolic anterior motion and coronary artery injury after mitral valve repair. We report the application and early outcome of this technique for mitral valve regurgitation. Methods: From January 1997 to January 2004,16 patients with mitral valve regurgitation were operated on using leaflet folding plasty. The group comprised 9 men and 7 women, with a mean age of 61.6 years. There were 15 patients with degenerative and 1 with ischemic mitral valve disease. The causes of mitral regurgitation were posterior mitral leaflet prolapse in 11 patients and commissural prolapse in 5 patients. Results: Mitral valve reconstruction could be performed in all patients. There were no perioperative deaths. Postoperative mitral regurgitation fell to 0.13±0.52 compared with 3.6±0.51 preoperatively. Systolic anterior leaflet motion was not observed in any patients after the procedure. The mean follow-up period was 22 months. There were no late deaths and reoperation was not required during follow-up. Conclusions: Early outcome of leaflet folding plasty for mitral valve repair was satisfactory. This technique may have advantages to accomplish mitral valve repair safely in patients with mitral regurgitation due to posterior or commissural prolapse.     

A short-acting beta-blocker,landiolol, attenuates systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve after mitral valve annuloplasty

Here, we describe three patients with severe hemodynamic instability after mitral valve annuloplasty (MVP) who were treated successfully using a new ultra-short-acting beta-blocker, landiolol hydrochloride. When systolic anterior motion (SAM) of the mitral valve occurs after MVP, left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) and mitral regurgitation (MR) often lead to hemodynamic collapse. Treatment of SAM is very difficult, and transfusion, or the reduction/discontinuation of catecholamine or vasopressor administration, is often ineffective. In our three patients, landiolol hydrochloride decreased the heart rate, markedly attenuated SAM, and improved the hemodynamics. We recommend that landiolol be administered before further surgical manipulation is considered in patients with SAM after MVP.     

Case of systolic anterior motion of mitral valve after mitral valve repair

A 56-year-old woman was underwent mitral valve repair for prolapse of the posterior mitral leaflet. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) showed systolic anterior motion (SAM) of the mitral valve at the weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Sliding technique was easily performed at the second pump run. Intraoperative TEE demonstrated no SAM or residual mitral regurgitation after the second pump run.     

Case in which landiolol hydrochloride improved left ventricular outflow tract obstruction with systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve following mitral valve plasty

We report a case of left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction caused by systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve (SAM) following mitral valve plasity (MVP). A 65-year-old man underwent mitral valve plasty for grade III mitral valve regurgitation. The plasty was done smoothly and the patient was weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass successfully with continuous dobutamine infusion. However, about 30 minutes after the weaning, severe cardiovascular collapse developed. Inotropic agent, such as dobutamine, ephedrine, or calcium hydrochloride was not effective. Trans-esophageal echocardiography (TEE) showed severe mitral valve regurgitation with LVOT obstruction due to SAM. The collapse was successfully treated with volume loading and a small amount of a beta1-adrenergic antagonist, landiolol hydrochloride. We conclude that acute LVOT obstruction with SAM could develop following MVP. TEE was a much useful tool for early diagnosis and landiolol hydrochloride would be a notable agent for nonsurgical treatment of LVOT obstruction with SAM.     

Another pitfall in minimally invasive mitral valve repair

We report a case of severe systolic anterior motion (SAM) and dynamic left ventricular outflow obstruction after repair of a flail posterior leaflet of the mitral valve. The reason for SAM was found to be due to traction on the pericardial stay sutures placed to expose the surgical field. The SAM and the outflow obstruction were completely resolved by cutting these sutures. Our case demonstrates the contribution of geometric factors in the development of SAM and left ventricular outflow obstruction and emphasizes the need to evaluate the heart in its natural position within the mediastinum.     

Anterior leaflet resection of the mitral valve

Triangular resection is a reconstructive option for treatment of anterior leaflet mitral disease with segmental prolapse. In our experience, it is a safe and reproducible technique, associated with low rates of recurrent MR or need for reoperation, as well as decreased likelihood for systolic anterior motion after mitral repair. We review our experience with this technique over a 25-year experience with mitral valve reconstruction.     

Dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction when the anterior leaflet is retained at prosthetic mitral valve replacement

Dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction developed in a patient in whom the anterior leaflet was retained at mitral valve replacement. It was caused by systolic anterior movement of the native anterior leaflet. Reduced outflow tract diameter, resulting from both posterior displacement of the septum and anterior displacement of the native anterior leaflet by porcine stents, was likely instrumental in promoting dynamic obstruction.     

Midterm results of mitral valve repair with the Carpentier-Edwards rigid ring

Objective: Prosthetic annuloplasty rings play an important role in mitral valve repair. This clinical study was undertaken to evaluate the midterm results obtained with the Carpentier-Edwards rigid ring. Methods: Between October 1991 and March 2005, 112 patients (mean age 53.0 years) underwent mitral valve repair with a Carpentier-Edwards rigid ring at our institution. Degenerative disease was the most frequent cause and a small number had other conditions such as endocarditis and rheumatic disease. Ten patients were in Carpentier’s functional class Type I, 101 patients in Type II and 1 patient in Type III, based on valve pathology. Ischemic mitral regurgitation was excluded. The mean followup time was 5.3±3.6 years (range: 8 days to 12.3 years). All patients were completely followed by echocardiography. Results: The rigid ring ranged from 26 to 36 mm in diameter and the most common size was 30 mm. Although the mitral orifice area was decreased after mitral valve repair in all patients, none of them required reoperation because of mitral stenosis or left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (systolic anterior motion). Reduction of both systolic and diastolic left ventricular volumes was observed postoperatively. Ejection fractions were preserved in all cases. The actuarial survival rate was 92.0±3.0% at 10 years and the reoperation-free rate at 10 years was 96.0±2.0%. Conclusion: The rigid ring has produced promising midterm results in terms of reoperation-free and survival rates.     

Late results of mitral valve repair for mitral regurgitation

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to evaluate the long-term results of mitral valve repair for mitral regurgitation. METHODS: Between 1991 and 2000, 301 patients with mitral regurgitation underwent mitral valve repair. There were 167 men and 134 women whose mean age was 56 +/- 14 years. The patients were comprised of 7 patients in Carpentier's type I, 277 patients in type II, and 17 patients in type III. Chordal replacement with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene sutures had been prospectively applied to repair the anterior mitral leaflet prolapse. Ring annuloplasty was performed in 230 patients (76%). The follow-up was complete and mean follow-up was 67 +/- 33 months, for a cumulative follow-up of 1,624 patient-years. RESULTS: There were 5 hospital deaths and 11 late deaths (2 cardiac and 9 noncardiac). All survivors except those with stroke were in the New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class I or II. At 10 years, the actuarial survival was 90 +/- 3%, the freedom from embolism was 86 +/- 4%, the freedom from reoperation was 96 +/- 2%, and the freedom from valve-related events was 77 +/- 4%. At 10 years, the freedom from reoperation in the patients with anterior leaflet prolapse was 90 +/- 5%. CONCLUSIONS: Mitral valve repair is feasible in most patients with mitral regurgitation and is associated with low mortality and low rates of valve related events. Chordal replacement with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene sutures is effective, safe, and durable at long-term follow-up for patients with anterior leaflet prolapse.     

Simplified correction of outflow obstruction after mitral valve replacement.

Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction after mitral valve replacement may occur when a retained native anterior leaflet prolapses between prosthetic struts. Existing reports of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction by this mechanism lack emphasis on its surgical treatment. We obtained definitive relief of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction by transaortic exposure, division, and partial excision of the obstructing leaflet. This approach minimizes the complexity and potential morbidity of the correction.     

Methods of estimation of mitral valve regurgitation for the cardiac surgeon

Mitral valve regurgitation is a relatively common and important heart valve lesion in clinical practice and adequate assessment is fundamental to decision on management, repair or replacement. Disease localised to the posterior mitral valve leaflet or focal involvement of the anterior mitral valve leaflet is most amenable to mitral valve repair, whereas patients with extensive involvement of the anterior leaflet or incomplete closure of the valve are more suitable for valve replacement. Echocardiography is the recognized investigation of choice for heart valve disease evaluation and assessment. However, the technique is depended on operator experience and on patient's hemodynamic profile, and may not always give optimal diagnostic views of mitral valve dysfunction. Cardiac catheterization is related to common complications of an interventional procedure and needs a hemodynamic laboratory. Cardiac magnetic resonance (MRI) seems to be a useful tool which gives details about mitral valve anatomy, precise point of valve damage, as well as the quantity of regurgitation. Finally, despite of its higher cost, cardiac MRI using cine images with optimized spatial and temporal resolution can also resolve mitral valve leaflet structural motion, and can reliably estimate the grade of regurgitation.