Mitral Leaflet Prolapse Research Articles

Acute coronary syndrome and endocarditis 20 years before: how do they match?

A 33-year-old woman with a past history of mitral infective endocarditis in childhood was admitted in our department due to unstable angina. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) showed posterior mitral leaflet prolapse originating severe regurgitation and coronary angiography revealed an 80% stenosis of the proximal segment of left anterior descending …

Chordal transfer in rheumatic mitral regurgitation: early experience

Chordal transfer and chordal replacement techniques have been quite successful for repair of anterior mitral leaflet prolapse in degenerative disease, but largely unexplored in rheumatic patients. To extend the scope of valve repair, we assessed the chordal transfer technique for correction of anterior mitral leaflet prolapse in 57 patients with rheumatic mitral regurgitation, who were treated between October 2008 and March 2010. There were 36 women and 21 men with a mean age of 25 ± 7.4 years. Normal chordae and a strip of leaflet tissue were transferred from the posterior leaflet to the free edge of the anterior leaflet; the posterior leaflet was repaired in the same manner as after quadrangular resection. Additional procedures were commissurotomy in 19 patients, aortic valve replacement in 1, tricuspid repair in 5, and cryo maze operations in 21. There was no hospital mortality. One (1.7%) patient had acute renal failure but recovered fully. There was moderate regurgitation in one patient who had undergone simultaneous aortic valve replacement. At a mean follow-up of 6.2 ± 2 months, 56/57 (98.2%) patients were asymptomatic with no significant mitral regurgitation.

Hemodynamic aspects of mitral regurgitation assessed by generalized phase‐contrast MRI

To investigate the utility of MRI measurement of left atrial (LA) flow patterns and turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) in patients with clinically significant mitral regurgitation. Three-dimensional cine phase-contrast MRI (PC-MRI) data were acquired in five patients with posterior mitral leaflet prolapse and two normal volunteers. LA flow patterns were assessed using particle trace visualization. Specifically, vortices were recognized by closed streamlines. LA flow distortion was assessed by estimation of TKE. In addition, the regurgitant volume was measured. Four of the mitral regurgitation patients had eccentric regurgitant jets directed toward the septum; one patient had a central jet. The dominant systolic vortex was located in proximity to the regurgitant jet. The LA flow was highly disturbed with elevated values of TKE; peak LA TKE ranged from 13 to 37 mJ and occurred consistently at late systole. The average LA TKE per cardiac cycle was significantly related to the regurgitant volume (TKE = 0.573 + 0.179·RegVol, R(2) = 0.983). MRI permits investigations of atrial flow patterns and TKE in significant mitral regurgitation. The degree of LA flow distortion, as measured by the average LA TKE over one cardiac cycle, appears to reflect the severity of regurgitation.

Hemolytic Anemia Secondary to Mitral Leaflet Prolapse

Hemolytic Anemia Secondary to Mitral Leaflet Prolapse

Management of less-than-severe mitral regurgitation: should guidelines recommend earlier surgical intervention?☆

It is well accepted that patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR) benefit from mitral valve repair; however, the management of those with less than severe leakage is controversial. Watchful waiting is often advocated and considered safe, but the risk of developing left ventricular (LV) dysfunction under medical management is unknown. Using a population-based County-wide study database, we analyzed echocardiograms during clinical follow-up and medical management of 204 patients with mitral valve prolapse and less-than-severe MR. LV dysfunction was defined per American Heart Association guidelines as an ejection fraction (EF) <60% or LV end-systolic dimension > 40 mm. At index examination, mean age was 57 years and 121 (59%) were women. The mean EF was 62%, and 62 (30%) had evidence of LV dysfunction. MR severity was mild in 121 (59%), mild-moderate in 23 (11%), moderate in 36 (18%) and moderate-severe in 24 (12%). During follow-up (mean 8.6 years), 79 patients (39%) demonstrated progression of MR by at least one grade. Greater degrees of regurgitation at index echocardiogram were associated with greater progression during follow-up (P=0.0001). After adjusting for age, sex, body surface area (BSA), and baseline regurgitation grade, multivariable modeling revealed that larger LV end-diastolic dimension (odds ratio (OR)=1.14; P=0.0018) and greater diastolic septal thickness (OR=1.40; P=0.0211) predicted greater progression of MR with time. From initial diagnosis to follow-up echocardiography, EF declined, while left-heart dimensions and pulmonary arterial pressure increased. Of the 142 patients with normal baseline LV function, 52% developed either worsening MR or de novo LV dysfunction. Importantly, even in the 87 patients with stable regurgitation, 18 (21%) developed new LV dysfunction during follow-up. Fifty-two patients (25%) eventually underwent mitral valve repair. Following surgery, there were significant decreases in EF, LV end-diastolic dimensions and LV mass; while 11 developed de novo LV dysfunction. Over half of patients with chronic persistent, but sub-severe MR due to mitral leaflet prolapse develop LV dysfunction or worsening regurgitation despite optimal medical management. LV deterioration can occur even in the absence of MR progression. These data advocate for the development of detailed guidelines supporting frequent echocardiographic monitoring and the identification of earlier triggers for surgical consideration prior to the development of LV dysfunction in this patient population.

Resecting and Nonresecting Techniques for Posterior Mitral Leaflet Prolapse

Posterior leaflet (PL) prolapse is commonly treated with quadrangular resection, but nonresecting techniques were proposed as an alternative. We evaluated our experience to identify specific indications to nonresecting techniques. From March 2006 to February 2009, 60 patients were treated for PL prolapse, 21 using resecting (group R), and 39 nonresecting (group NR) techniques. Patients in group R had fibroelastic deficiency with isolated P2 prolapse and P1 or P3 (or both) thin or short (n = 15); need of excessive P2 resection (more than 1/3 of the posterior annulus) (n = 10); dominant or codominant circumflex artery (n = 10). Some of them were young and were operated on without preoperative coronary angiography (n = 4). One patient (1.7%) in group R died during the first 30 days after surgery. Three-year survival was 89.6 ± 4.5, similar in both groups. A postoperative echocardiogram was obtained 20 ± 6 months after surgery in every survivor. Mitral regurgitation decreased significantly soon after surgery without any significant modification at follow-up in both groups. nonresecting techniques provide good midterm results, similar to resecting ones. To resect or not resect part of the PL has, in our personal practice, its own indications and contraindications. Extensive use of artificial chords and reduction of PL height, when indicated, is able to provide other tools to safely expand mitral repair for PL prolapse.

Robotic repair of posterior mitral valve prolapse versus conventional approaches: Potential realized

Robotic mitral valve repair is the least invasive approach to mitral valve repair, yet there are few data comparing its outcomes with those of conventional approaches. Therefore, we compared outcomes of robotic mitral valve repair with those of complete sternotomy, partial sternotomy, and right mini-anterolateral thoracotomy. From January 2006 to January 2009, 759 patients with degenerative mitral valve disease and posterior leaflet prolapse underwent primary isolated mitral valve surgery by complete sternotomy (n = 114), partial sternotomy (n = 270), right mini-anterolateral thoracotomy (n = 114), or a robotic approach (n = 261). Outcomes were compared on an intent-to-treat basis using propensity-score matching. Mitral valve repair was achieved in all patients except 1 patient in the complete sternotomy group. In matched groups, median cardiopulmonary bypass time was 42 minutes longer for robotic than complete sternotomy, 39 minutes longer than partial sternotomy, and 11 minutes longer than right mini-anterolateral thoracotomy (P < .0001); median myocardial ischemic time was 26 minutes longer than complete sternotomy and partial sternotomy, and 16 minutes longer than right mini-anterolateral thoracotomy (P < .0001). Quality of mitral valve repair was similar among matched groups (P = .6, .2, and .1, respectively). There were no in-hospital deaths. Neurologic, pulmonary, and renal complications were similar among groups (P > .1). The robotic group had the lowest occurrences of atrial fibrillation and pleural effusion, contributing to the shortest hospital stay (median 4.2 days), 1.0, 1.6, and 0.9 days shorter than for complete sternotomy, partial sternotomy, and right mini-anterolateral thoracotomy (all P < .001), respectively. Robotic repair of posterior mitral valve leaflet prolapse is as safe and effective as conventional approaches. Technical complexity and longer operative times for robotic repair are compensated for by lesser invasiveness and shorter hospital stay.

Mitral Valve Growth After Posterior Annular Stabilization With Untreated Autologous Pericardial Strip in Children With Mitral Valve Insufficiency

Mitral valve (MV) reconstruction is the technique of choice for MV disease in infants and children. We evaluated whether our technique of posterior annulus stabilization with untreated autologous pericardial strip allows growth of anterior MV leaflet and its annulus. Seventeen children (mean age, 9.43 ± 6.03 years; range, 1 to 17) were prospectively followed up after MV repair for mitral insufficiency with severe annular dilation and anterior mitral leaflet prolapse. The MV repair techniques were Paneth posterior annuloplasty (n = 14) and Gerbode plication plasty (n = 3), both modified with pericardial strip stabilization of the posterior annulus (Hetzer's modification). Echocardiograms were taken perioperatively and serially during follow-up. Serial Doppler echocardiography showed good valve function at mean follow-up of 13.62 ± 2.37 years. Left ventricular function was significantly improved, and mitral insufficiency was either absent or significantly decreased. Diameter of anterior MV leaflet and its annulus increased linearly in relation to body size. These findings were consistent in all patients except 3 who required reoperation 1 and 2 years postoperatively, respectively, for recurrent and progressive insufficiency. On reoperation, the pericardial strip was perfectly attached to the posterior annulus and covered by a fibrous tissues without calcification. Stabilization of the posterior annulus with pericardial strip prevents further posterior annular dilation and allows anterior MV leaflet and its annulus to grow in relation to body size over time, as well as preserving flexible properties of the MV orifice.

Surgical Techniques for the Repair of Anterior Mitral Leaflet Prolapse

Myxomatous disease is the leading cause of mitral valve regurgitation in the developed world. Although posterior mitral leaflet (PML) prolapse is the most common cause of regurgitation and of repair, lesions of the anterior mitral leaflet (AML) are often considered beyond the possibilities of repair. The surgical anatomy and pathology of the AML and a precise terminology for the location of the lesions are described. The surgical maneuvers for commissural prolapse, chordal shortening, chordal replacement, leaflet resection, and annuloplasty are also described. The advantages and limitations of each maneuver are discussed. It is concluded that a flexible approach to the repair of the AML is necessary to adapt the best technique for each type of lesion. No particular technique can be applied systematically to all lesions. It is the author's contention that the majority of AML lesions can be repaired safely.

An Effective Technique to Correct Anterior Mitral Leaflet Prolapse

Up to one-third of the patients with degenerative mitral valve disease and severe mitral regurgitation have anterior mitral valve prolapse due to chordal rupture or elongation. Surgical treatment of such a condition is often technically demanding and not infrequently associated with suboptimal results. Techniques used to treat anterior leaflet prolapse include chordal transfer, chordal shortening, artificial chordae, and anterior leaflet resection or plication. Each of these strategies has potential shortcomings, and there is considerable controversy concerning the durability of anterior leaflet prolapse repairs using these techniques. The "edge-to-edge" technique, a simple and effective method of correcting anterior mitral leaflet prolapse is described.

Dynamic Annular Geometry and Function in Patients with Mitral Regurgitation: Insight From Three-Dimensional Annular Tracking

Real-time three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography and unique software permit mitral annular (MA) tracking throughout systole to assess MA remodeling and function. Whether MA structure and function are altered differently depending on the etiology of mitral regurgitation (MR) is currently not known. We evaluated dynamic MA characteristics in patients with significant MR secondary to mitral valve prolapse and functional MR and compared them with normal controls. Novel 3D tracking software (based on 3D optical flow combined with block matching) was used to identify 16 circumferential equidistant MA points and to track changes in MA area and apical descent from end-diastole to end-systole. Twenty-eight patients with at least moderate MR and 15 normal controls underwent complete transthoracic two-dimensional and quantitative Doppler studies with 3D full-volume MA imaging from the apical 4-chamber view. For each group studied, left ventricular size, systolic function, and dynamic MA characteristics were characterized. Patients with functional MR demonstrated end-diastolic MA area enlargement with reduced systolic area change and reduced apical descent (11.1 + or - 2.7 cm(2), 13 + or - 5%, and 6 + or - 2 mm, respectively) compared with normal controls (9 + or - 2 cm(2), 26 + or - 8%, 11 + or - 2 mm, respectively) (P < .05). In comparison, patients with prolapse MR demonstrated the largest end-diastolic MA areas with preserved annular area change and only mild reduction of apical descent (16.1 + or - 3.5 cm(2), 21 + or - 6%, and 9 + or - 3 mm; P < .05 for area change and apical descent compared with normal). This finding suggests that the pathophysiology of mitral leaflet prolapse may involve significant MA remodeling without deterioration of dynamic MA function. Patients with MR have significant MA enlargement, irrespective of MR etiology. In contrast to functional MR, patients with MR secondary to leaflet prolapse have the largest annular remodeling-almost 80% increase in area-and yet have preserved annular function and dynamicity. These findings may influence surgical repair technique.

Intermediate-term results of a nonresectional dynamic repair technique in 662 patients with mitral valve prolapse and mitral regurgitation

A nonresectional technique has been developed for repair of mitral leaflet prolapse causing mitral regurgitation. Polytetrafluoroethylene chordae are used for correction of edge misalignment of the prolapsed mitral leaflet. New chordal length is adjusted during progressive left ventricular inflation to systolic pressure. Annular sizing is determined dynamically after leaflet edge alignment is accomplished to produce an optimal zone of predefined leaflet apposition. The aim of this study was to document the 8- to 10-year durability of this nonresectional approach. From 1983 through 2008, 1121 consecutive patients had mitral valve repair on one service. Of these, 662 had repair of mitral leaflet prolapse. From 1983 until 1998, standard quadratic leaflet resection/plication was used in 72 (11.1%) patients, similar but smaller resection in 93 (14.1%) patients, and then smaller resection and polytetrafluoroethylene chordae in 24 (3.7%) patients. All received Puig-Massana fully flexible rings (Shiley, Inc, Irvine, Calif). After 1998, no leaflet resections or valve replacements have been performed regardless of leaflet size in 566 consecutive patients. Of the 662 patients, the mean age was 62.6±14.1 years, and 424 (64.1%) patients were male. Coronary artery disease was present in 147 (22.2%) patients and 33 (5.0%) had prior coronary artery bypass. Leaflets corrected were as follows: anterior, 152 (23.0%) patients; posterior, 427 (64.5%); and both, 83 (12.5%) Common pathologic characteristics of prolapsing valves were as follows: myxomatous, 332 (50.2%) patients, degenerative, 83 (12.5%), ischemic, 31 (4.7%), and rheumatic, 29 (4.4%). Perioperative mortality was 2.9% (19/662) overall and 0.49% (2/414) for isolated repair. Freedom from reoperation at 10 years (Kaplan-Meier) was 90.1% and freedom from significant mitral regurgitation (echocardiography) was 93.9%. This study confirms that mitral regurgitation from mitral leaflet prolapse can be repaired in all cases by a nonresectional technique provided that accurate dynamic evaluation of chordal length and annular sizing is achieved. The intermediate-term results are durable.

Chordal Replacement Versus Quadrangular Resection for Repair of Isolated Posterior Mitral Leaflet Prolapse

In the past, chordal replacement techniques with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene sutures have been primarily reserved for anterior leaflet pathology, whereas the more frequent posterior leaflet prolapse was treated by resection. This study reports midterm results of isolated posterior prolapse repair with chordal replacement without resection as opposed to the quadrangular resection. An analysis was made of 397 consecutive patients who underwent mitral valve repair for isolated posterior leaflet prolapse between 2000 and 2007. Of them, 205 patients (52%) underwent quadrangular resection (group R, "resection") and 192 patients (48%) underwent a neochordal repair (group NR, "no resection"). The follow-up is 98% complete (mean follow-up of 383 survivors is 1.9+/-1.4 years). Overall 30-day mortality was 1.0% (4 of 397). Ten patients (2.5%) died late. Actuarial survival at 4 years for group R and group NR was 94%+/-3% and 98%+/-1%, respectively (p=0.99). Ten patients (2.5%) required a mitral valve-related reoperation after an average of 1.9+/-2 months. Freedom from reoperation at 4 years was 96%+/-1% for group R and 99%+/-1% for group NR (p=0.08). Generally, in patients of group NR, a larger annuloplasty ring could be implanted (mean size 32+/-2.5 versus 30+/-2, p<0.001). At latest follow-up, 94% of the patients showed no or grade I regurgitation, with no difference between groups. Repair of posterior mitral leaflet prolapse by chordal replacement is equally effective as classic quadrangular resection, permits the use of larger annuloplasty rings, offers a potentially more physiological repair with preserved leaflet mobility, and can be performed with excellent midterm results and a low incidence of reoperation.

Assessment of Mitral Annular Disjunction by Cardiac MRI in Patients With Mitral Valve Prolapse

Background: Mitral annular disjunction is a pathologically described structural abnormality of the mitral annulus occurring in mitral leaflet prolapse (MVP), and is defined as a separation between the atrial wall–mitral valve junction and the left ventricular attachment. The clinical prevalence, imaging findings and associations of this abnormality are poorly understood.

Novel Techniques in Mitral Repair Extended and Rotational Chordal Transfer

Mitral valve repair is preferable to mitral valve replacement because of low rate of thromboembolism, resistance to endocarditis, excellent late durability, and no need for anticoagulation in the majority of patients. This article describes 2 novel techniques for repairing the anterior mitral leaflet prolapse. The extended chordal transfer is achieved by transferring an extended segment of posterior mitral leaflet and, rotational chordal transfer, by rotating the transferred segment either vertical or horizontal. Both techniques are simple and reproducible. It uses patient's own natural chorda and eliminates the problem of knotting and determination of appropriate chordal length faced with other techniques.

An approach to mitral valve surgery by a T-shaped mini-sternotomy with functioning bilateral internal thoracic artery grafts

We herein report successful surgical treatment of mitral valve regurgitation in a 49-year-old man. He was admitted to our hospital due to acute aggravation of dyspnea on effort. He had a surgical history of coronary artery bypass grafting with bilateral internal thoracic artery grafts. A transthoracic echocardiogram showed severely decreased cardiac function and severe mitral regurgitation due to anterolateral mitral valve leaflet prolapse. Computed tomography showed the right internal thoracic artery running over the front of the aorta to the left circumflex artery. To avoid injury to the functioning grafts during median sternotomy, we chose to perform an inferior T-shaped mini-sternotomy. The surgical field was sufficient to perform mitral valve replacement with a mechanical prosthetic valve under fibrillatory arrest. The grafts were neither dissected nor clamped, and access to the aorta and mitral valve was excellent.

Chordae Replacement Versus Resection for Repair of Isolated Posterior Mitral Leaflet Prolapse: À Ègalité

Mitral valve (MV) repair for posterior mitral leaflet (PML) prolapse has proven excellent results. The loop technique, which involves insertion of polytetrafluoroethylene neochordae while preserving the native PML tissue, was developed to facilitate MV repair through a minimally invasive approach. The aim of this study was to assess the medium-term results of the loop technique in comparison with the widely adopted leaflet resection technique for repair of isolated PML prolapse. Between March 1999 and January 2008, a total of 1,708 patients underwent minimally invasive MV repair. Six hundred and seventy patients (39.2%) had isolated PML prolapse and were treated with either the loop technique (n = 317) or the leaflet resection (n = 353) technique, according to surgeon preference. Mean follow-up time was 2.8 +/- 2.2 years, and follow-up was 99% complete. Early postoperative echocardiography showed a significantly larger mitral orifice area (3.3 +/- 0.3 cm(2) versus 3.0 +/- 0.8 cm(2), p < 0.001) and lower mean pressure gradient (2.7 +/- 1.7 mm Hg versus 3.1 +/- 1.7 mm Hg, p = 0.03) after implantation of loops. Other perioperative outcomes were similar for the two groups of patients. Freedom from reoperation at 5 years was significantly higher after the loop technique (98.7%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 96.7% to 99.5%) when compared with leaflet resection (93.9%, 95% CI: 90.7% to 96.1%, log-rank p = 0.005). Cox regression analysis revealed that implantation of a flexible, incomplete band was an independent predictor of reoperation (hazard ratio 6.2, 95% CI: 1.3 to 110.7), whereas use of leaflet resection had a nonsignificant trend toward an increased reoperation rate (hazard ratio 2.6, 95% CI: 0.9 to 9.1). Reoperation for excessive systolic anterior motion did not occur in any loop patient. Both the loop technique and conventional leaflet resection yield excellent results for repair of isolated PML prolapse. The technical ease of performing the loop technique through a minimally invasive approach, however, makes this method a particularly valuable alternative for MV repair surgery.

How does the use of polytetrafluoroethylene neochordae for posterior mitral valve prolapse (loop technique) compare with leaflet resection? A prospective randomized trial

Mitral valve surgery for posterior mitral leaflet prolapse consists mostly of leaflet resection, but implantation of premeasured polytetrafluoroethylene neochordae (ie, loops) is another option. The aim of this prospectively randomized trial was to determine how preservation of leaflet structure in combination with premeasured neochordae compares with the widely adopted technique of leaflet resection. A total of 129 patients with severe mitral regurgitation, with a mean mitral regurgitation grade of 3.6 +/- 0.6, underwent minimal invasive mitral valve surgery through a right lateral mini-thoracotomy. The mean age was 59.5 +/- 12 years, 90 patients were male, the mean preoperative ejection fraction was 65% +/- 8%, and the mean New York Heart Association functional class was 2.1 +/- 0.7. Posterior mitral leaflet prolapse was diagnosed in all patients. Randomization was performed preoperatively, and crossover was allowed if the surgeon deemed it medically necessary. Crossover from resection to loops occurred in 9 patients, and crossover from loops to resection occurred in 3 patients. Mitral valve repair was accomplished in all patients (n = 129, 100%), and all patients received an annuloplasty ring. The mean number of loops implanted on the posterior mitral leaflet was 3.2 +/- 0.9, with a mean length of 13.3 +/- 2.2 mm. The mean duration of cardiopulmonary bypass was 135 +/- 37 minutes and the mean aortic crossclamp time was 82 +/- 26 minutes in all patients, with no significant difference between groups. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography showed a significantly longer line of mitral valve leaflet coaptation after implantation of loops (7.6 +/- 3.6 mm) than after resection (5.9 +/- 2.6 mm; P = .03). Thirty-day mortality was 1.6% for the entire group (2/129), with both deaths occurring in the loop group. Cause of death was massive pulmonary embolism in 1 patient and acute right heart failure in 1 patient. Early and mid-term echocardiographic follow-up revealed excellent valve function in the majority of patients, with no significant difference in mitral orifice area (3.6 +/- 1.0 cm(2) vs 3.7 +/- 1.1 cm(2), P = .4). Both repair techniques for posterior mitral leaflet prolapse are associated with excellent results and appear comparable in the early postoperative course. The loop technique, however, results in a significantly longer line of leaflet coaptation and may therefore be more durable. Longer follow-up is required.

Mitral valve repair for advanced myxomatous degeneration with posterior displacement of the mitral annulus

This study examines the outcomes of mitral valve repair in a defined group of patients with mitral regurgitation caused by advanced myxomatous degeneration. Advanced myxomatous degeneration of the mitral valve was defined as a degenerative process whereby both leaflets are voluminous and aneurysmal and the mitral annulus diameter exceeds 40 mm and has posterior displacement, as determined by means of echocardiographic analysis. Over a 16-year period, we identified 183 patients who underwent valve repair in this subgroup of myxomatous degeneration. The repair consisted of relocating the posterior mitral annulus to the endocardium of the left ventricle at the atrioventricular junction, correction of leaflet prolapse, and annuloplasty. Analysis of perioperative variables and postoperative outcomes were undertaken. The mean follow-up was 5.9 +/- 4.2 years and complete. The patients' mean age was 52 years, and 118 were men. All patients had mitral regurgitation preoperatively. There were no early and only 8 late deaths (2 valve-related deaths). The survival at 10 years was 92% +/- 3%. Six patients required reoperation on the mitral valve, 5 for recurrent severe mitral regurgitation. The freedom from reoperation at 10 years was 93% +/- 3%. Six patients had severe and 21 had moderate mitral regurgitation. The freedom from recurrent moderate or severe mitral regurgitation at 10 years was 80% +/- 5%. We could not identify independent predictors of recurrent mitral regurgitation. Mitral valve repair for advanced myxomatous degeneration on the mitral valve provides excellent early functional results, but late recurrent regurgitation is common, despite correction of dilated and displaced mitral annulus and leaflet prolapse.

Invited Commentary

Invited Commentary