Late results of isolated mitral annuloplasty for "functional" ischemic mitral insufficiency

BACKGROUND: Repair of functional ischemic mitral regurgitation (MR) due to annular deformity and leaflet restriction remains a challenge for the surgeon and lacks well-documented outcomes. We investigated outcomes in the treatment of functional ischemic MR corrected by annuloplasty techniques alone. METHODS: From May 1980 to July 1999, 174 patients underwent repair for functional ischemic mitral insufficiency with annuloplasty alone (128 ring annuloplasty; 46 suture annuloplasty). Acute insufficiency was present in 25 (14.4%). Concomitant procedures included CABG (n = 152; 87.4%). Patients were studied longitudinally with annual follow-up and echocardiograms. RESULTS: Overall hospital mortality was 17.8% and was increased by NYHA Class 4 (23.8% vs. 8.7%; p = 0.011), diabetes (25.0% vs. 13.6%; p = 0.059), and chronic mitral insufficiency (16.4% vs. 8.0%; p = 0.070). Multivariate analysis revealed age (beta = 0.099; p = 0.049) and ejection fraction < 30% (beta = 1.260; p = 0.097) as significant predictors of hospital death. Mean postoperative mitral insufficiency was 0.84 +/- 0.86 (scale of 0-4). NYHA Class 4 (beta = 2.33; p = 0.034) and simple suture annuloplasty (beta = 2.08; p = 0.07) were associated with increased risk of late cardiac death. Cumulative incidence of mitral reoperation was 7.7% at 5 years. At follow-up, 89.7% of patients were in NYHA Class 1 or 2 with 83.4% having none or only mild mitral insufficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Ring annuloplasty is associated with a survival benefit when compared to simple suture repair in ischemic patients who require annuloplasty alone to correct the MR. Mitral reconstruction with a ring annuloplasty offers durable results in this homogeneous subset of functional ischemic MR patients. Ischemic mitral insufficiency is associated with significant late mortality.     

Left ventricular restoration for ischemic cardiomyopathy--comparison of presence and absence of mitral valve procedure.

OBJECTIVE: Association of mitral regurgitation (MR) with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) increases the degree of heart failure and its surgical management remains controversial. The aim of this study was to report the surgical results in patients with or without MR in association with ICM. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ninety-two patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (left ventricular [LV] ejection fraction less than 30% with global akinesis) underwent LV restoration. Pre-operative New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class was either in class-3 or -4 in all patients. MR was moderate to severe in 38 patients (MR-group) and none or mild in 54 patients (noMR-group). Moderate to severe MR was repaired in addition to the complete coronary artery bypass (CABG) and LV restoration. All patients were followed up and echocardiogram was repeated every 6 months after the surgery. RESULTS: The procedure of LV restoration was selected pre- and intra-operative examination and endoventricular circular patch plasty was performed in 76, partial left ventricle resection in three, and septal anterior exclusion in 13. CABG was performed in 85 patients with mean 2.4+/-1.1 grafts in MR-group and 3.2+/-0.4 grafts in noMR-group (P<0.0001). In MR-group mitral valve plasty was performed in 24 and replacement in 14. Undersized (26 or 28 mm) circumferential mitral ring was used in 16 patients for mitral plasty. Emergent operation required in 15 patients (13 in MR-group and two in noMR group) and the hospital mortality was 18.4% in MR-group and 3.7% in no MR-group. Mitral regurgitation recurred in two patients with posterior ring annuloplasty and they underwent valve replacement. The post-operative NYHA functional class improved to class-1 or -2 in 65 patients and cumulative survival in 5 years including emergent and hospital deaths was 60.9% in MR-group and 70.1% in noMR-group. CONCLUSION: In association of MR to ICM, emergent operation required more often and perioperative mortality rate was high. However, the aggressive combined mitral operation in addition to CABG and LV restoration showed the improvement of clinical symptom and quality of life after the surgery.     

Mild or moderate ischemic mitral regurgitation in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting

BACKGROUND: There has been a debate, whether mild or moderate ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) should be repaired at the time of coronary bypass surgery. We assessed the early and midterm outcomes of patients with mild or moderate IMR who underwent isolated off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed records of 602 patients who underwent OPCAB between April 2001 and July 2004. Of those, 96 patients had mild or moderate MR (IMR group), and 506 had none or trivial MR (no IMR group). Preoperative and postoperative characteristics were compared between the groups. Furthermore, fates of grade of MR and functional status were investigated in patients with IMR. RESULTS: The preoperative mean New York Heart Association (NYHA) classes were 2.7 +/- 1.0 and 2.4 +/- 0.9 in the IMR and no IMR groups, respectively (p < 0.01). Operative mortality was similar between groups (1.0% in the IMR group and 0.4% in no IMR group, p = 0.41). The cumulative survival rate for the IMR group was 93.7% at 1 year and 90.1% at 4 years. The mean NYHA class was 1.1 +/- 0.4 (p < 0.0001) at 28.8 +/- 11.4 months after operation for the IMR group. The mean grade of mitral regurgitation diminished (from 2.2 +/- 0.4 to 1.1 +/- 0.6, p < 0.0001) soon after operation in patients with IMR, and remained so (1.1 +/- 0.8, p < 0.0001) during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Mild or moderate IMR could be improved with isolated OPCAB. The early and midterm functional outcomes of these patients were favorable.     

Initial safety and feasibility clinical trial of the myosplint device

BACKGROUND: The Myocor Myosplint device is a passive implantable device for the treatment of heart failure by changing the geometry of the left ventricle (LV). AIM: The purpose of this evaluation was to describe the first human experience with the Myosplint device to demonstrate safety and feasibility. METHODS: Of the first consecutive 21 patients, 9 patients received a Myosplint device alone while 12 patients underwent a mitral valve repair as well. Safety and efficacy data were gathered at enrollment and during follow-up. RESULTS: No serious device-related adverse events or device failures were observed. Three patients died during the follow-up period, and 2 patients underwent heart transplantation. There was a significant improvement in the New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class from 3.0 +/- 0.3 at baseline to 2.1 +/- 0.7 at 6 months (p = 0.001). Both LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes had decreased at follow-up. The LV ejection fraction significantly increased in the Myosplint alone group (from 17.1 +/- 4.0% at baseline to 21.8 +/- 4.1% at 3 months and 23.1 +/- 7.2% at 6 months) but not in the Myosplint and mitral valve repair group. The mitral regurgitation (MR) grade had a significant (p = 0.002) linear relationship with the NYHA functional class. CONCLUSIONS: The initial clinical experience of the Myosplint device demonstrated both safety and feasibility, validating the LV shape change concept in humans. A remodeling solution must, however, include MR resolution, to illustrate the need for a device that can simultaneously reduce or eliminate functional MR off-pump.     

Results of surgery for irreversible moderate to severe mitral valve regurgitation secondary to myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVE: Moderate to severe irreversible mitral regurgitation secondary to myocardial infarction is an independent risk factor for reduced long-term survival. Late effects of correction of mitral incompetence concomitant with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) are less well known and the choice of mitral valve procedure is still debated. METHODS: From 1988 to 1998, 93 consecutive patients (mean age 63+/-9 years) were treated for moderate to severe irreversible mitral regurgitation secondary to myocardial infarction; 84 were in NYHA functional class III-IV and 19 were in cardiogenic shock. Thirty-seven patients underwent emergency surgery. Perioperative intraaortic balloon pump (IABP) was necessary in 33 patients. Follow-up ranged from 6 months to 12 years (mean 51 months+/-41). RESULTS: Mitral valve was repaired in 30 patients and replaced in 63. Replacement was preferably performed in patients with major displacement of papillary muscle and in patients with acute papillary muscle rupture. CABG (3.4 distal anastomoses) was performed in all patients and was complete in 92%. Early mortality was 15% (14/93). Multivariable analysis identified need for IABP (P=0.005) and COPD (P=0.02) as risk factors for early death. Emergency surgery had only a trend (P=0.15) for increased mortality; age, low ejection fraction, repair vs. replacement had no influence. Actuarial survival rates at 1, 5 and 10 years were 81, 65 and 56%, respectively. Late survival was similar in patients with replacement or repair (P=0.46). At last follow-up, all but one patient were in NYHA functional class I or II. CONCLUSIONS: Combined mitral valve procedure and myocardial revascularization, as complete as possible, for moderate to severe mitral regurgitation secondary to myocardial infarction achieve satisfactory early and late outcome despite the increased operative mortality. Acute papillary muscle rupture, severe restriction of the mitral valve by major displacement of the papillary muscle are better managed by valve replacement.     

Impact of mitral insufficiency on reoperative coronary artery surgery in ischemic cardiomyopathy patients

Objective: To determine the impact of mitral insufficiency on survival after reoperative coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in ischemic cardiomyopathy patients. Methods: We retrospectively studied 891 (Initial 708, Redo 183) consecutive CABG patients (1993–2002) with ejection fraction (EF) 35% or less. Patient characteristics: mean age=67.0±10.5 yrs, men=77.1%, EF=26.4±7.4%, mean CCS=3.47±0.73, mean NYHA=3.50±0.68. There were 180 (Initial 141, Redo 39) patients with 3/4+mitral regurgitation (MR). Late survival statistics of cohorts were compiled using National Death Index. Results: At a mean follow-up period of 3 years, reoperative CABG with MR (Redo/MR+) survival was 41.7±9.2% (n=39), which was worse than reoperative CABG without MR (Redo/MR−) survival of 71.8±4.1% (n=144, P=0.0003), initial CABG with MR (Initial/MR+) survival of 68.5±4.2% (n=141, P=0.014) and initial CABG without MR (Initial/MR−) survival of 76.2±2.0% (n=567, P<0.0001). By multivariate analysis, congestive heart failure (P=0.029), 3/4+MR (P=0.044) were independent predictors of Redo late mortality. In contrast, renal failure on dialysis, stroke, no angina, age >65 yrs, absence of hypercholesterolemia, EF<26% but not 3/4+MR were independent predictors of Initial late mortality. In subset analysis, adverse impact of 3/4+MR on late survival was greatest in Redo with EF<26%. The 3- and 5-yr late survival were only 44.4 and 26.8% (P=0.041). Concomitant mitral valve repair (MVrep) was performed in 100 (Initial 75, Redo 25) patients. MVrep in Initial/MR+patients achieved similar late survival as Initial/MR− patients. MVrep did not produce the same late survival benefit in Redo/MR+ patients. Conclusions: (1) Mitral insufficiency has a greater survival impact on redo than initial CABG patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy. (2) Mitral insufficiency and congestive heart failure are the primary independent predictors of late survival following redo CABG. (3) Mitral repair has less neutralizing effect on late survival in redo than initial CABG patients.     

Coronary artery bypass surgery in patients with severely impaired left ventricular function]

The efficacy and problem of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with severely impaired left ventricular function (left ventricular ejection fraction < or = 30%) were assessed in 27 patients of whom 17 (group 1) underwent emergent CABG and 10 (group 2) elective between Jan 1984 to Aug 1990. As a whole, history of myocardial infarction (24/27, 88.9%), large left ventricular volume with reduced ejection fraction (LVEDVI 126.08 +/- 25.91 ml/m2, LVESVI 93.04 +/- 21.02 ml/m2, LVEF 25.04 +/- 4.75%) and multiple vessel disease with at least one vessel total occlusion (20/27, 74.1%) were characteristically seen in these patients. The patients of group 1 were significantly older (mean 66.12 +/- 5.68 vs 57.10 +/- 8.08, p < 0.01) and needed more frequent preoperative support with IABP (17/17 vs 4/10, p < 0.01). Using Thallium-201 scintigraphy, in 10 patients of group 1 and 9 of group 2, myocardial viability in the proposed bypass area was evaluated before operations. Average 2.37 +/- 0.79 grafts were placed and continuous retrograde cold blood cardioplegia via the coronary sinus was employed for myocardial protection. Two mitral annuloplasty (MAP) for ischemic mitral regurgitation and 2 cryoablation for the treatment of ventricular tachycardia were performed concomitantly. Operative mortality was 47.1% in group 1 and none in group 2 (p < 0.05). Two cases of MAP died, but two cases of cryoablation survived. Postoperative LVEF was improved significantly only in group 2 (p < 0.05), but during the follow-up period of 7 months to 6 years, all 19 survivors expect one remains with NYHA class I or II.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Efficacy of left ventricular restoration with mitral valve surgery for endstage ischemic cardiomyopathy

Patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) are at an extremely high risk of death and ischemic events. This study aims to evaluate the impact of left ventricular restoration (LVR) and mitral valve surgery on the cardiac and clinical functional status of the patients with ICM. Twenty-six patients (46-80 years, mean: 64 years) with severely dilated heart (left ventricular end-systolic volume index: LVESVI > or = 100 ml/m2) who had coronary artery bypass grafting (2.8+/-1.3), mitral valve surgery, and LVR were enrolled in this study. Left ventricular end-diastolic volume index and LVESVI significantly decreased (from 169+/-44 to 130+/-41 ml/m2, P=0.0005, from 120+/-33 to 89+/-43 ml/m2, P=0.0012). Left ventricular ejection fraction showed no change. MR showed significant improvement (from 2.7+/-0.6 to 1.0+/-0.4, P<0.0001) and NYHA functional class showed improvement (from 3.2+/-0.8 to 1.5+/-0.9, P<0.0001). A 5-year survival rate was 71.2%. In conclusion, this aggressive approach with LVR aiming to treat end-stage ICM by relief of ischemia, reduction of LV wall tension by decreasing LV volume and stopping mitral leak, is effective for LV volume reduction and improvement of clinical functional status.     

Recurrence of functional mitral regurgitation in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy undergoing mitral valve repair: how to predict it

This study was aimed at identifying predictive variables for recurrence of mitral regurgitation (MR) in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) undergoing mitral valve (MV) repair. From January 1997 to December 2005, 142 patients with DCM, 105 (73.9%) ischemic and 37 (26.1%) non-ischemic, underwent MV repair. Mean age was 66+/-10 years and mean MR grade was 3.2+/-0.7 (scale 1+ to 4+). Ninety-seven (71% ischemic, 29% non-ischemic), out of 98 still alive at follow-up, were included in this retrospective analysis. In all cases MV posterior annuloplasty was performed; all patients were followed-up by echocardiography (mean time interval of 44+/-28 months) to evaluate MR recurrence (>or=2+/4+). Thirty-day mortality was 9.2% (13 patients). Mean MR grade at follow-up was 0.9+/-0.9. Four-year freedom from MR recurrence was 65.5%+/-8.3. Cox analysis showed left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVi, OR=1.03, P=0.016, AUC=0.72), left ventricular end-systolic volume index (LVESVi, OR=1.03, P=0.033, AUC=0.71), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF, OR=0.82, P=0.001, AUC=0.72), mitral valve coaptation depth (MVCD, OR=1.6, P=0.017, AUC=0.72) to be predictive variables for MR recurrence. Preoperative left ventricular dilatation and function along with degree of papillary muscle displacement can be helpful in identifying patients with higher probability to undergo a durable MV repair.     

Mitral valve surgery in patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to determine (1) survival, (2) functional status and freedom from readmission for heart failure and (3) change in postoperative left ventricular (LV) dimensions and function following mitral valve repair or replacement in patients with severe LV dysfunction and mitral regurgitation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1990 and 1998, 44 patients with mitral regurgitation and a LV ejection fraction <35% (mean+/-SD, 28+/-6%) underwent isolated mitral repair (n=35) or replacement (n=9). The etiology of regurgitation was valvular in 18 (40%) patients, ischemic in 13 (30%) patients and dilated idiopathic cardiomyopathy in 13 (30%) patients. Every patient had been hospitalized one to six times for symptoms of heart failure (mean+/-SD, 2.3+/-1.5). All patients were receiving maximal drug therapy with 15 (34%) in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III and 12 (27%) in class IV. Seven (16%) patients were initially referred for consideration of transplantation. The mean+/-SD duration of follow-up was 40+/-21 months. RESULTS: One (2.3%) patient died 9 days postoperatively of acute bronchopneumonia. The mean+/-SD duration of ICU and hospital stay was 41+/-34 h and 9+/-3 days, respectively. The 1-, 2- and 5-year survival rates were 89, 86 and 67%, respectively. Heart failure and sudden death accounted for 62% of the late deaths. The NYHA class improved for survivors from 2.8+/-0.8 preoperatively to 1. 2+/-0.5 at follow-up (P<0.0001). Freedom from readmission for heart failure was 88, 82 and 72% at 1, 2 and 5 years, respectively. No patient has been listed for transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: Mitral valve surgery offers symptomatic improvement and survival benefit in patients with severe LV dysfunction and mitral regurgitation. More liberal use of this surgery for cardiomyopathy patients is warranted.     

Coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction--early and mid-term outcomes

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) referred for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is increasing. The aim of the present study was to assess the outcomes of patients with severe LVD undergoing CABG. METHODS: Outcomes of 115 consecutive patients with severe LVD (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF]30% (HEF). To further evaluate the LVD patients, they were divided into three subgroups base on LVEF: 0% to 10%, 11% to 20%, and 21% to 30%. Data were collected prospectively and entered into the departmental database of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons. RESULTS: Patients in the LVD group had increased incidence of diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), peripheral vascular disease, prior myocardial infarction (MI), congestive heart failure, and less elective procedures compared to the HEF group. Despite this greater risk profile, operative mortality (LVD 2.6% vs. HEF 1.2%, p = 0.19), the incidence of stroke (2.6% vs. 1.0%, p = 0.13), and perioperative MI (0.9% vs. 0.7%) were not statistically different between the groups. The incidence of respiratory (14.8% vs. 1.9%, p < 0.001), renal (5.2% vs. 1.0%, p < 0.001), and vascular (5.2% vs. 0.5%, p < 0.001) complications was significantly higher in the LVD group, resulting in a longer hospital length of stay (8 +/- 8 vs. 6 +/- 4 days, p < 0.0001). In a multivariate analysis, advanced age was as an independent predictor of hospital mortality. Average follow-up in 108 (94%) LVD patients was 36 +/- 22 months (range 2 to 78 months). Twenty-one patients expired during the follow-up, for nine the causes were cardiac-related. Three- and 5-year survival rates were 91 +/- 3% and 76 +/- 6%, respectively. Independent predictors of mid-term mortality in the LVD group by a multivariate analysis included female gender, renal failure, respiratory complications, and grade I/II mitral regurgitation (MR). At the time of follow-up, 72% of LVD patients were in functional class I/II. There were no statistically significant differences in short- and mid-term outcomes among the LVD subgroups. CONCLUSION: CABG in patients with severe LVD can be performed with a low mortality, albeit with higher morbidity and longer length of hospital stay, than patients with LVEF >30%. Low ejection fraction per se was not a predictor of hospital mortality. CABG should be considered a safe and effective therapy for low ejection fraction patients with ischemic heart disease. Mitral valve repair/replacement in the presence of moderate degree of MR should be considered at the time of the initial operation.     

Does moderate mitral regurgitation impact early or mid-term clinical outcome in patients undergoing isolated aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis?

OBJECTIVE: The early and mid-term impact of functional mitral regurgitation (MR) in patients undergoing isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR) for aortic stenosis remains unresolved. METHOD: Through our institutional databank, using a case-match study, we identified 58 patients with MR grades 0-1 and 58 patients with MR grades 2-3 (patients matched for sex, age, ejection fraction (EF), NYHA, diabetes, and CVA). Data were collected prospectively (mean duration of follow-up: 3.2 +/- 2.4 years). RESULTS: Perioperative morbidity (re-operation for bleeding, low cardiac output, CVA, renal failure) was comparable among groups. Difference in mortality between the two groups was non-significant (7.0 vs. 3.5%, P = 0.67 in groups MR 2-3 vs. 0-1, respectively). At early echocardiographic follow-up, 7/58 patients (12.1%) within group MR grades 0-1 increased their MR to grades 2-3; among which only two remained with MR grades 2-3 at mid-term follow-up. Within MR group 2-3, 18/58 (31.0%) remained with MR grades 2-3 among which 7/18 (38.9%) decreased of at least one grade at follow-up. Eight year actuarial survival was comparable in both groups: MR grades 0-1 = 60.9% vs. MR grades 2-3 = 55.0%; P = 0.1. Actuarial survival of patients with MR grades 2-3 postoperatively was similar to patients with MR grades 0-1 (MR grades 0-1 = 59.0%, MR grades 2-3 = 58.9%, P = NS). CONCLUSIONS: Presence of preoperative moderate functional MR (grades 2-3) in patients undergoing isolated AVR for aortic stenosis regresses in the majority of patients postoperatively and has no significant impact on perioperative morbidity or mortality, nor mid-term survival. Thus, moderate functional MR should be treated conservatively in the majority of patients especially in the elderly subjected to isolated AVR for aortic stenosis.     

Mitral regurgitation progression following isolated coronary artery bypass surgery: frequency, risk factors, and potential prevention strategies.

BACKGROUND: Though de novo mitral regurgitation (MR) is frequently seen in patients who have undergone coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG), its incidence, predictors, and mechanisms are not known. METHODS: Our surgical registry was screened for patients undergoing isolated CABG who had preoperative and postoperative resting echocardiograms performed at our institution with 相似文献   

Evolution of tricuspid regurgitation after mitral valve repair for functional mitral regurgitation in dilated cardiomyopathy.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the evolution of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) patients submitted to mitral repair for functional mitral regurgitation (MR). METHODS: Ninety-one DCM patients (mean age 61+/-11.3) submitted to MV repair (+/-tricuspid repair) for functional MR were included. Preoperative EF was 30.9+/-6.5%, left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic volume 113+/-31.5 ml/m(2), LV end-systolic volume 81.8+/-26.7 ml/m(2), functional MR > or =3+/4+. TR was classified as < or =1+/4+ in 57 patients (62.6%), 2+/4+ in 21 (23%) and > or =3+/4+ in 13 (14.2%). Most of the patients were in NYHA class III or IV. A tricuspid annuloplasty was associated to mitral repair whenever preoperative TR was > or =3+. Therefore 13 patients (14.2%) underwent concomitant tricuspid annuloplasty whereas the remaining 78 (with preoperative TR < or =2+) did not. RESULTS: At follow-up (mean 1.8+/-1.2 years), 12% of the patients (11/91) had still 3-4+ TR due to failure of the tricuspid repair or progression of untreated < or =2+ TR. Freedom from TR > or =3+ was 78+/-8.8% at 3.5 years. Among the 78 patients not submitted to tricuspid repair, 14 (18%) showed a progression of TR severity equal or greater than two grades. The multivariate analysis identified grade of TR at discharge (OR 5.4, p=0.01) and preoperative RV dysfunction (OR 19.6, p=0.02) as the only independent predictors of TR > or =3+/4+ at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: A significant number of patients submitted to mitral repair for functional MR present > or =3+ TR at follow-up as consequence of progression of untreated TR or failure of tricuspid repair. A more aggressive and effective treatment of functional TR in this setting should be pursued.     

Evaluation of predictors of clinical outcome after partial left ventriculectomy

BACKGROUND: Outcome after partial left ventriculectomy (PLV) is difficult to predict. Our goal was to determine if clinical measurements including exercise testing could predict outcome after PLV. METHODS: Sixteen patients with dilated cardiomyopathy had left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, amount of mitral regurgitation (MR), New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, and cardiopulmonary exercise testing measurements measured before PLV and 3 months after PLV. Eleven patients who remained stable after PLV (group 1) were compared with 5 patients who deteriorated after PLV (group 2). RESULTS: Similar significant improvements were seen in both groups 3 months post-PLV with respect to left ventricular ejection fraction (group 1: 0.136+/-0.037 to 0.212+/-0.046; group 2: 0.139+/-0.042 to 0.179+/-0.073) and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (group 1: 8.5+/-0.7 to 7.0+/-0.6 cm; group 2: 7.6+/-0.6 to 6.5+/-0.6 cm). The MR grade (1.0+/-0.6 versus 2.5+/-0.6), NYHA functional class (1.5+/-0.31 versus 2.5+/-0.6), and peak oxygen consumption (17.8+/-1.1 versus 12.2+/-2.0) were significantly different in the two groups 3 months after PLV (p < 0.05, analysis of variance). CONCLUSIONS: Patients that do not show significant improvement in peak oxygen consumption, NYHA class and significant decrease in the amount of MR 3 months after PLV, compared with pre-PLV, are at increased risk of clinically deteriorating.     

Mechanism of higher incidence of ischemic mitral regurgitation in patients with inferior myocardial infarction: quantitative analysis of left ventricular and mitral valve geometry in 103 patients with prior myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVE: The mechanism of higher incidence of ischemic mitral regurgitation in patients with inferior compared with anterior myocardial infarction despite less global left ventricular remodeling and dysfunction is controversial. We hypothesized that inferior myocardial infarction causes left ventricular remodeling, which displaces posterior papillary muscle away from its normal position, leading to ischemic mitral regurgitation. METHODS: In 103 patients with prior myocardial infarction (61 anterior and 42 inferior) and 20 normal control subjects, we evaluated the grade of ischemic mitral regurgitation on the basis of the percentage of Doppler jet area, left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes, midsystolic mitral annular area, and midsystolic leaflet-tethering distance between papillary muscle tips and the contralateral anterior mitral annulus, which were determined by means of quantitative echocardiography. RESULTS: Global left ventricular dilatation and dysfunction were significantly less pronounced in patients with inferior myocardial infarction (left ventricular end-systolic volume: 52 +/- 18 vs 60 +/- 24 mL, inferior vs anterior infarction, P<.05; left ventricular ejection fraction: 51% +/- 9% vs 42% +/- 7%, P <.0001). However, the percentage of mitral regurgitation jet area and the incidence of significant regurgitation (percentage of jet area of 10% or greater) was greater in inferior infarction (percentage of jet area: 10.1% +/- 7.5% vs 4.4% +/- 7.0%, P =.0002; incidence: 16/42 (38%) vs 6/61 (10%), P <.0001). The mitral annulus (area = 8.2 +/- 1.2 cm2 in control subjects) was similarly dilated in both inferior and anterior myocardial infarction (9.7 +/- 1.7 vs. 9.5 +/- 2.3 cm2, no significant difference), and the anterior papillary muscle-tethering distance (33.8 +/- 2.6 mm in control subjects) was also similarly and mildly increased in both groups (35.2 +/- 2.4 vs 35.2 +/- 2.8 mm, no significant difference). However, the posterior papillary muscle-tethering distance (33.3 +/- 2.3 mm in control subjects) was significantly greater in inferior compared with anterior myocardial infarction (38.3 +/- 4.1 vs 34.7 +/- 2.9 mm, P =.0001). Multiple stepwise regression analysis identified the increase in posterior papillary muscle-tethering distance divided by body surface area as an independent contributing factor to the percentage of mitral regurgitation jet area (r2 = 0.70, P <.0001). CONCLUSIONS: It is suggested that the higher incidence and greater severity of ischemic mitral regurgitation in patients with inferior compared with anterior myocardial infarction can be related to more severe geometric changes in the mitral valve apparatus with greater displacement of posterior papillary muscle caused by localized inferior basal left ventricular remodeling, which results in therapeutic implications for potential benefit of procedures, such as infarct plication and leaflet or chordal elongation, to reduce leaflet tethering.     

Ischemic cardiomyopathy associated with ischemic mitral regurgitation--a case report of successful repair]

We experienced a case of 62-year-old man with ischemic cardiomyopathy and mitral regurgitation. He had a heart failure of New York Heart Association class IV together with unstable angina. His further examination showed an enlarged left ventricle with markedly reduced ejection fraction (12.9%) and ischemic mitral regurgitation of grade III associated with 3-vessel disease. He underwent three coronary artery bypass graftings and mitral annuloplasty by a modification of Kay's method. He showed a remarkable improvement of heart failure and cardiac function together with a disappearance of mitral regurgitation. He discharged from hospital in NYHA class II on the 50th postoperative day and lives an almost normal life now. Operative indication and management of ischemic cardiomyopathy and mitral regurgitation were discussed.     

Should Mild‐to‐Moderate and Moderate Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation Be Corrected in Patients with Impaired Left Ventricular Function Undergoing Simultaneous Coronary Revascularization?

INTRODUCTION: Mitral valve regurgitation (MR) occurring as a result of myocardial ischemia and global left ventricular (LV) dysfunction predicts poor outcome. This study assessed the feasibility of mitral valve (MV) surgery concomitant with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with mild-to-moderate and moderate ischemic MR and impaired LV function. MaTERIALS AND METHOD: From January 1996 to July 2000, 49 patients (group 1) and 50 patients (group 2) with grade II and grade III ischemic MR and LV ejection fraction (EF) between 17% and 30% underwent combined MV surgery and CABG (group 1) or isolated CABG (group 2). LVEF (%), LV end-diastolic diameter (EDD) (mm), LV end-diastolic pressure (EDP) (mmHg), and LV end-systolic diameter (ESD) (mm) were 27.5 +/- 5, 67.7 +/- 7,27.7 +/- 4, and 51.4 +/- 7, respectively in group 1 versus 27.8 +/- 4, 67.5 +/- 6, 27.5 +/- 5, and 51.2 +/- 6, respectively in group 2. Groups 1 and 2 were divided into Groups 1A and 2A with mild-to-moderate MR (22 [45%] and 28 [56%] patients, respectively) and groups 1B and 2B with moderate MR (27 [55%] and 22 [46%], respectively). In group 1, MV repair was performed in 43 (88%) patients and MV replacement in 6 (12%) patients. RESULTS: Preoperative data analysis did not reveal any difference between groups. Five (10%) patients in group 1 died versus 6 (12%) in group 2 (p = ns). Within 6 months after surgery, LV function and its geometry improved significantly in group 1 versus group 2 (LVEF, p < 0.001; LVEDD, p = 0.002; LVESD, p = 0.003; and LVEDP (p < 0.001) improved significantly in group 1 instead of a mild improvement in Group 2). The regurgitation fraction decreased significantly in group 1 patients after surgery (p < 0.001). There was an inverse strong correlation between postoperative forward cardiac output and regurgitation fraction (p < 0.001). LVEF and LVESD improved significantly in group 1 versus group 2 patients (p = 0.04 and p = 0.02, respectively). The cardiac index increased significantly in group 1 and 2 (p < 0.001 and p = 0.03, respectively). LV function and geometry improved significantly postoperatively in group 1B versus group 2B (LVEDD, p = 0.027; LVESD, p = 0.014; LVEDP, p = 0.034; and LVEF, p = 0.02), instead of a mild improvement in group 1A versus group 2A (LVESD, p = 0.015; LVEF, p = 0.046; and LVEDD and LVEDP, p = 0.05). At follow-up, 4 (67%) of 6 patients undergoing MV replacement died versus 5 (11.5%) of 43 patients undergoing MV repair in group 1 (p = 0.007). The overall survival at 3 years in Group 2 was significantly lower than group 1 (p < 0.009). Conclusion: MV repair and replacement-preserving subvalvular apparatus in patients with impaired LV function offered acceptable outcomes in terms of morbidity and survival. Surgical correction of mild-to-moderate and moderate MR in patients with impaired LV function should be taken into consideration since it yields better survival and improved LV function.     

Revascularization alone (without mitral valve repair) suffices in patients with advanced ischemic cardiomyopathy and mild-to-moderate mitral regurgitation

BACKGROUND: Whether or not to perform adjunctive mitral repair in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for advanced ischemic cardiomyopathy with moderately severe mitral regurgitation (MR) remains controversial. METHODS: We examine the clinical and echocardiographic outcome after isolated CABG in 49 patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and 1+ to 3+ MR undergoing surgical revascularization. The patients were identified for analysis of mitral valve-related issues from a larger series of 183 patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (MUGA ejection fraction < or = 30%) undergoing CABG by a single surgeon from 1986 to 1996. Patient age was 66.3 years (mean, range 45 to 83 years). There were 5 women (10.2%) and 44 men (89.8%). Mean ejection fraction was 22.4% with a range of 10% to 30%. Thirty-four patients had preoperative congestive heart failure (70%) and 12 (25%) had pulmonary edema. Number of grafts was 2.8 (mean, range 1 to 5). The MR was 1+ in 18 patients (37.5%), 2+ in 26 (52%) and 3+ in 5 patients (10.5%). RESULTS: Hospital mortality was 2.0% (1 of 49 patients). Ejection fraction improved from 22.0% to 31.5% (p < 0.05) after CABG. Mean degree of MR improved with CABG alone from 1.73 to 0.54 (p < 0.05) as measured at a mean interval of 36.9 months from CABG. New York Heart-Association congestive heart failure class improved from 3.3 to 1.8 (p < 0.05). Long-term survival was 88%, 65%, and 50% at 1, 3, and 5 years postoperatively. No patient required subsequent mitral valve operation or heart transplantation in long-term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that, in patients with advanced ischemic cardiomyopathy and mild-to-moderate MR, isolated CABG (without mitral valve, repair) suffices, producing dramatic improvement in ejection fraction, in congestive heart failure, and in degree of MR, with excellent (relative) long-term survival. The improvement in MR likely results from improved left ventricular function and size consequent upon revascularization.     

Surgical ventricular restoration for ischemic cardiomyopathy

In this study, we demonstrated the mid-term result of surgical ventricular restoration (SVR) for ischemic cardiomyopathy. Fifty-two patients (age 62 +/- 11 years) who underwent SVR between 2003 and 2010 were enrolled. Overlapping left ventriculoplasty, papillary muscle approximation, and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) were performed in 36 (69%), 39 (75%) and 46 (88%) patients, respectively. Preoperatively, 45 (87%) patients presented New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III/IV, whereas all patients presented NYHA I/III postoperatively (P < 0.01). left ventricular (LV) end-systolic volume index (LVESVI) and LV ejection fraction (LVEF) were improved postoperatively (LVESVI: 111 +/- 37 to 68 +/- 24, p < 0.01, LVEF : 30 +/- 9 to 37 +/- 11, p < 0.01). The degree of mitral regurgitation (MR) was 3+ or more in 27 (52%) patients, whereas 50 (96%) presented 1+ or less postoperatively (P < 0.01). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 90%. 83%, and 75%, respectively. Cox regression analysis demonstrated that preoperative MR 4+ was the significant predictor of postoperative death (P < 0.05, HR 5.2, 95% CI 1.2-22.9). Because of its satisfactory mid-term result, SVR would be validated as an effective procedure for ischemic cardiomyopathy.