Patients Undergoing Mitral Valve Repair Research Articles

Mitral valve repair with resection and non-resection techniques in Barlow's disease: A multi-center study

BackgroundVarious mitral valve (MV) repair techniques are nowadays in use. Non-resection techniques, that rely exclusively on Gore-Tex® neochords and annuloplasty, have been popularized; however, their efficacy in Barlow's disease, characterized by large myxomatous leaflets, is yet unclear. MethodsConsecutive patients undergoing MV repair for Barlow's disease between 2011 and 2019 were selected on the basis of being eligible for resection and non-resection techniques. Study endpoints included overall survival, freedom from MV reintervention and recurrent regurgitation. ResultsOf 209 patients meeting the inclusion criteria, 135 (65%) underwent MV repair with and 74 (35%) without resection. There was one early reoperation due to residual regurgitation (resection group). Mean clinical follow-up duration was 6.1 (IQR 3.9–8.5) years. At 6 years after surgery, there was no difference in overall survival or freedom from MV reintervention. Mean echocardiographic follow-up (95% complete) duration was 3.5 (IQR 2.3–5.8) years. At 6 years, there was no difference in freedom from recurrent regurgitation rate (86.1%, 95% CI 78.5–93.7% vs. 83.0%, 95% CI 71.6–94.4%, P = 0.20) between the groups. Inverse probability-of-treatment weighting adjusted analysis demonstrated no significant difference between groups (HR 0.535, 95% CI 0.212–1.349, P = 0.20). Uni- and multivariable Cox proportional regression analysis did not demonstrate an effect of valve repair technique on the occurrence of recurrent regurgitation. ConclusionsAt mid-term, the clinical and echocardiographic results of valve repair for Barlow's disease were very good and MV reintervention was rarely needed. At this time point, the results of non-resection techniques were comparable to the “gold standard” resection techniques.

Mitral valve replacement versus repair and long-term risk of infective endocarditis: a nationwide study

Abstract Background There is a paucity of data regarding mitral valve (MV) repair versus MV replacement and the associated risk of infective endocarditis (IE). Further research is needed to optimise patient selection and determine the importance of using prophylactic antibiotics. Purpose To examine the long-term risk of IE in patients undergoing MV repair, compared with a matched population of patients undergoing MV replacement as well as the background population. Methods All patients undergoing MV repair from 2000 to 2020 with no history of IE were identified using Danish nationwide registries. Those patients were matched to patients undergoing MV replacement in a 1:1 ratio as well as the background population in a 1:4 ratio based on age, sex, and year of procedure. The Aalen-Johansen estimator and multivariable Cox regression models were used to examine the long-term risk of IE. Results After matching, the study population included 1,797 patients undergoing MV replacement, 1,797 undergoing MV repair, and 7,188 matched controls from the background population. The median age of the study population was 67.8 years (percentile[p]25-p75: 57.8-74.7), and 45.1% were females. Patients with MV replacement were significantly more comorbid, compared with patients with MV repair and the control group, which included ischaemic heart disease, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, stroke, diabetes, chronic renal disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. During a median follow-up of 7.7 years (p25-p75: 4.0-13.5), 134 (7.5%) with MV replacement, 57 (3.2%) patients with MV repair, and 27 (0.38%) in the control group were hospitalised with IE. The median follow-up time from date of procedure to IE admission was 3.5 years (p25-p75: 0.82-7.1) in the MV replacement group, 2.4 years (p25-p75: 0.61-6.6) in the MV repair group, and 8.2 years (p25-p75: 5.3-12.4) in the control group. In patients with MV replacement, MV repair, and the control group, the 1-year cumulative incidences of IE (Figure) were 7.5% (95% CI: 6.3-8.7%), 3.2% (95% CI: 2.4-4.1%), and 0.38% (95% CI: 0.25-0.54%), respectively. The 10-year cumulative incidences of IE (Figure) were 9.4% (95% CI: 7.9-11.1%), 3.9% (95% CI: 3.0-5.0%), and 0.56% (95% CI: 0.38-0.82%) in patients with MV replacement, MV repair, and the control group, respectively. After multivariable adjustment, MV replacement was associated with an increased 10-year rate of IE, compared with MV repair (hazard ratio 2.4 [95% CI: 1.8-3.3]), while the control group was associated with a lower 10-year rate, compared with MV repair (hazard ratio 0.14 [95% CI: 0.085-0.23]). Conclusion In this nationwide study, MV replacement was associated with a twofold increased 10-year rate of infective endocarditis, while matched controls from the background population were associated with a significantly lower 10-year rate of infective endocarditis, compared with MV repair.Figure

Effect of Tricuspid Repair on Pacemaker Rate After Mitral Repair Is Higher in Degenerative Disease

BackgroundPermanent pacemaker (PPM) placement after mitral valve (MV) repair is affected by concomitant procedures, yet existing literature reports conflicting rates. We aimed to characterize the effect of concomitant operation on risk of need for postoperative PPM in patients who underwent MV repair. MethodsA retrospective review of a prospectively maintained institutional database (1996-2020) was conducted of consecutive patients undergoing MV repair, including concomitant procedures. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of a concomitant procedure on PPM rate. ResultsOf the 2824 patients undergoing MV repair, 6% (177/2824) required a PPM. The likelihood of PPM varied with concomitant procedures: aortic valve replacement (39/258 [15%]), coronary artery bypass grafting (86/789 [11%]), tricuspid valve (TV) repair (33/326 [10%]), and maze (27/407 [7%]). Increased PPM rate was associated with aortic valve replacement (odds ratio [OR], 2.2 [1.5-3.3]; P < .001), reduced ejection fraction (OR, 1.02 [1.01-1.04]; P < .001), and older age (OR, 1.04 [1.03-1.06]; P < .001). Concurrent TV repair was not associated with pacemaker in patients undergoing MV repair (P = .8) or MV repair for nondegenerative mitral regurgitation (P = .9). In patients with degenerative MV disease, PPM rate increased from 1.9% (21/1133) to 10% (11/109) with concomitant TV repair (P < .001), and TV repair was associated with a 3-fold increased pacemaker rate (OR, 3.1 [1.6-5.9]; P < .001). ConclusionsIn MV repair, risk of pacemaker with concomitant TV repair should be weighed more heavily in degenerative MV disease. Pacemaker risk should not discourage surgeons from performing TV repair in patients with nondegenerative MV disease, in patients already undergoing concomitant operation or with clinically significant tricuspid regurgitation.

Mitral valve repair and concomitant maze procedure versus catheter ablation in the treatment of atrial functional mitral regurgitation

BackgroundTo compare mitral valve (MV) repair and concomitant maze procedure with catheter ablation in treating patients with atrial functional mitral regurgitation (AFMR).MethodsWe retrospectively identified 126 patients with AFMR from January 2012 to December 2015. Of these patients, 60 patients underwent MV repair and concomitant maze procedure, and 66 patients received catheter ablation. Patients were followed up for 7.98 ± 2.01 years. The survival, readmission of heart failure (HF), persistent atrial fibrillation (AF), persistent moderate-severe mitral regurgitation (MR) and tricuspid Regurgitation (TR), and echocardiographic data were analyzed in the follow-up. Predictors of readmission of HF were analyzed.ResultsThere was no significant difference in baseline and echocardiographic characteristics, in-hospital mortality, and other adverse events postoperatively between two groups. The surgical group was associated with lower rates of MR > 2 + grade either at discharge (P = 0.0023) or in the follow-up (P = 0.0001). There was no significant difference in the incidence of overall survival between the two groups. The surgical group was associated with a lower rate of readmission of HF and AF in the follow-up. Univariable and multivariable analysis confirmed AF at discharge, moderate-severe MR at discharge, no MV surgery, moderate-severe TR at discharge, and LA volume as predictors of readmission of HF. Both groups experienced significant reverse cardiac remodeling.ConclusionsOur results suggest that for the treatment of AFMR with persistent or long-standing persistent AF and moderate-severe MR, MV repair and concomitant maze procedure may achieve a better outcome than catheter ablation procedure.

Does Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Repair Mean Less Postoperative Pain?

BackgroundRapid recovery after minimally invasive mitral valve (MV) repair has been demonstrated in many studies, but the issue of postoperative pain has not been fully elucidated. We evaluated pain scores and medication use in patients undergoing MV repair by minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and open sternotomy (OS). MethodsBetween 2008 and 2019, 1332 patients underwent isolated MV repair by OS, and 913 underwent minimally invasive MV repair. After 1:1 propensity score matching, the study included 709 patients in each group. Opioid use was quantified as oral morphine equivalents in milligrams for each hospital day. The highest pain scores were collected from a visual analogue scale at 6-hour intervals. Predictive modeling was employed to compare pain medications and pain scores between the groups. ResultsThe postoperative median length of stay was 3 (3-4) and 5 (4-5) days for the MIS and OS groups, respectively (P < .001). The predicted geometric mean oral morphine equivalents demonstrated lower opioid use for the MIS group compared with the OS group for the first 4 days. However, the predicted mean pain score was higher in the first 24 hours for the MIS group compared with the OS group (4.7 [4.5-4.8] vs 4.4 [4.3-4.5], respectively, on a visual analogue scale of 0 to 10). ConclusionsMV repair by MIS methods was associated with decreased opioid use but not with decreased postoperative pain scores. Possible explanations include the difference in incision site pain and subjective differences in postoperative pain expectations.

Early and late results of mitral valve repair with anterior leaflet patch augmentation

OBJECTIVESThe aim of this study was to determine the long-term results of mitral valve (MV) repair with anterior leaflet patch augmentation.METHODSBetween 2012 and 2015, 45 patients underwent MV repair using the anterior leaflet patch augmentation technique at our institution. The mean age of the patients was 65.9 ± 13.0 years (16 males). We reviewed the MV pathology and the surgical techniques used and assessed the early and late results.RESULTSIn terms of MV pathology, 43 patients (95.6%) had pure mitral regurgitation (MR) and 2 patients (4.4%) had mixed mitral stenosis and MR. Rheumatic changes were seen in 18 patients (40.0%). Postoperative echocardiography showed that 95.6% of patients had none to mild MR. During a median follow-up period of 5.5 years (range 0.1–8.3 years), there were 8 late deaths. Nine patients (20%) required reoperation. The mean interval between the initial operation and redo operation was 3.7 ± 3.1 years (range: 0.4–7.8 years). The causes of reoperation included patch dehiscence (n = 4), progression of mitral stenosis (n = 2), band dehiscence (n = 1), patch enlargement (n = 1) and unknown (n = 1). Eight patients underwent MV replacement and 1 underwent repeat MV repair. The freedom from reoperation at 3 and 5 years was 85.7 ± 6.7% and 81.2 ± 7.7%, respectively.CONCLUSIONSAnterior leaflet patch augmentation can provide excellent early results in the majority of the patients even in the presence of rheumatic pathology; however, we observed late reoperation in 20% of patients. Thus, this technique should be used with caution and careful follow-up with serial echocardiography is essential.

Repair of Mitral Valves with Severe Annular Dilatation and Abundant Leaflet Tissue Using a Prosthetic Ring with a Large Anterior-Posterior Diameter.

Backround: Mitral valve (MV) repair in the case of a large anterior-posterior diameter and redundant valve tissue remains challenging and favors repair with a ring that exhibits a large anterior-posterior diameter. Compared to other available rings, the Medtronic Simulus annuloplasty ring shows the largest anterior-posterior diameter. This study reports for the first time mid-term results using this annuloplasty ring. Methods: Between 11/2015 and 12/2019, a total of 378 patients underwent MV repair for degenerative mitral regurgitation using the Medtronic Simulus ring, according to the following selection criteria: large MV annuli, abundant leaflet tissue (i.e., Barlow disease), and risk for SAM. Results: Overall survival after 5 years was 90.8 ± 4.6%. Five patients required valve-related reoperations because of ring dehiscence (n = 1), progression of native valve disease (n = 2), dehiscence of quadrangular resection suture (n = 1), and endocarditis (n = 1). The cumulative incidence of valve-related reoperation at 5 years was 1.3 ± 0.5%. At latest follow-up, echocardiography demonstrated excellent valve function with no/mild MR in 299 patients (94.6%). Two patients (0.6%) had more than moderate MR. No patient developed SAM after repair. Conclusion: Repair of MV with large annuli and abundant leaflet tissue with the Medtronic Simulus annuloplasty ring shows excellent mid-term results regarding reoperation rates and recurrent MR.

Mitral valve surgery for atrial functional mitral regurgitation: predicting recurrent mitral regurgitation and mid-term outcome

ObjectivesThis study aimed to elucidate the mid-term outcomes and risk factors for recurrent mitral regurgitation after mitral valve (MV) surgery for atrial functional mitral regurgitation (AFMR).Methods and resultsWe retrospectively analyzed data of 50 consecutive patients (median age 74 years; 29 men) who underwent mitral valve surgery for AFMR between January 2001 and January 2019. Mean atrial fibrillation duration was 12 years. During the follow-up period of 4.6 ± 4.4 years, 5 cardiac-related deaths were identified. Five- and 10-year freedom from cardiac-related death rate for all patients was 88.4% and 78.6%. In total, 42 patients underwent MV repair with mitral annuloplasty and 8 underwent MV replacement. Five- and 10-year freedom from cardiac-related death rate in patients who underwent MV repair was 93.1% and 82.7%, which was better than MV replacement (log rank p = 0.04). During the follow-up period, MR recurrence rate was 16.8% at 5 and 10 years for the patients who underwent MV repair. Univariate analysis showed that partial band annuloplasty and preoperative elevated left ventricular end-systolic volume index were risk factors for recurrent MR after MV repair. Multivariate analysis identified partial band annuloplasty as the independent predictor for recurrent MR during long-term follow-up after MV repair for AFMR.ConclusionPatients who underwent MV repair for AFMR could have an acceptable mid-term outcome. However, MVR might not improve the mid-term outcome in patients with AFMR. The use of partial bands for mitral annuloplasty would not be recommended in terms of recurrent MR mid-term.

Left atrial remodeling after mitral valve repair for primary mitral regurgitation: evolution over time and prognostic significance

Abstract Background Although preoperative left atrial (LA) dilation is a well-known predictor of adverse cardiovascular events in patients with severe, primary mitral regurgitation (MR), little is known about LA reverse remodeling after mitral valve (MV) surgery and its prognostic value. Purpose This study sought to systematically investigate the changes in LA volume in patients undergoing MV repair for severe, primary MR and the association between LA volume after surgery and long-term outcome. Methods In patients undergoing MV repair for severe, primary MR, echocardiography was evaluated at three different time points: pre-operatively, immediate postoperatively (5 [4–6] days) and within 1–3 years (19 [14–24] months) follow-up. Outcome was all-cause mortality happening after the third echocardiographic evaluation. Results A total of 226 patients (mean age 62±13 years, 66% male) were included. Mean pre-operative LA volume index (LAVi) was 56±28 ml/m2 and significantly decreased immediately after surgery (to 38±21 ml/m2; p&amp;lt;0.001) as well as at long-term follow-up (to 32±17 ml/m2; p&amp;lt;0.001). Significant correlations were found between reduction in LAVi at long-term follow-up and age (R=−0.139; p=0.037), pre-operative left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (R=0.199; p=0.003), preoperative LAVi (R=0.498; p&amp;lt;0.001), preoperative effective regurgitant orifice area (R=0.205; p=0.004), preoperative regurgitant volume (R=0.222; p=0.002) and postoperative transmitral mean pressure gradient at long-term follow-up (R=−0.150; p=0.026). Patients were subsequently divided into 3 groups: patients with a preoperative LAVi &amp;lt;42 ml/m2 (n=68), based on the definition of moderately dilated LA; patients with a LAVi 42–59 ml/m2 (n=88) and patients with a LAVi ≥60 ml/m2 (n=70), based on the current class IIaC indication for intervention in primary MR. Although patients with a LAVi ≥60 ml/m2 at baseline showed the most pronounced reduction in LAVi, their values of LAVi at long-term follow-up remained above the range of normality (figure 1). During a median follow-up of 72 (40–114) months, 43 (19.0%) patients died. Patients who had a LAVi ≥42 ml/m2 at long-term follow-up (3rd echocardiographic evaluation) showed significantly higher mortality rates as compared to patients with a LAVi &amp;lt;42 ml/m2 (p&amp;lt;0.001) (figure 2). Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that, after adjusting for age, sex and coronary artery disease, postoperative LAVi ≥42ml/m2 at long-term follow-up remained independently associated with all-cause mortality (HR 2.494; CI 1.292 to 4.815; p=0.006). Conclusions In patients with severe primary MR, LA reverse remodeling occurs immediately after MV repair, with a further reduction in LAVi during follow-up. Patients in whom LAVi does not remodel to normal values present worse long-term prognosis as compared to patients who achieve normal LAVi values. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): ESC Training Grant (Appehab724.011664741). Changes in LA volume over timeKM curve for all-cause mortality

Loop technique for degenerative mitral regurgitation due to extended prolapse.

Our study aims to examine the midterm outcomes of the loop technique for extended mitral valve (MV) prolapse patients. From October 2008 to August 2020, we performed MV repairs in 407 patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR). Follow-up ranged in duration from 287 to 2899 days (median, 872 days). The prolapse extensiveness (p-score) was determined based on the ratio of prolapsing segment's areas to whole area. We divided the whole MV into 10 segments (A1, A2 medial, A2 lateral, A3, P1, P2 medial, P2 lateral, P3, AC, and PC). Patients were categorized into three groups according to the p-score: simple (0.1-0.2), intermediate (0.3-0.4), and extensive (0.5-0.9). All patients underwent MV repair with the loop technique. The rates of freedom from significant (moderate to severe or severe) MR at 5 and 7 years after surgery were 91% and 91%, respectively. There were 252, 115, and 40 patients in simple group, intermediate group, and extensive group, respectively. The following were significantly increased in extended group: Barlow disease (23/40 patients, p < .001), the number of loops (p for trend < .0001), and the technique score (p for trend < .0001). The rates of freedom from significant MR at 7 years after surgery were 92% in simple group, 87% in intermediate group, and 94% in extended group, respectively (p = .995). Receiver-operating characteristic curves showed a postoperative mild MR with a sensitivity of 86% and a specificity of 68% for predicting significant MR recurrence. MV repair using the loop technique was useful even in groups with extended prolapse.

Mitral Valve Surgery After Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair: Mid-Term Outcomes From the CUTTING-EDGE InternationalRegistry.

The aim of this study was to determine clinical and echocardiographic characteristics, mechanisms of failure, and outcomes of mitral valve (MV) surgery after transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER). Although >100,000 mitral TEER procedures have been performed worldwide, longitudinal data on MV surgery after TEER are lacking. Data from the multicenter, international CUTTING-EDGE registry were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical and echocardiographic outcomes were evaluated. Median follow-up duration was 9.0months (interquartile range [IQR]: 1.2-25.7months) after MV surgery, and follow-up was 96.1% complete at 30days and 81.1% complete at 1 year. From July 2009 to July 2020, 332 patients across 34 centers underwent MV surgery after TEER. The mean age was 73.8 ± 10.1 years, median Society of Thoracic Surgeons risk for MV repair at initial TEER was 4.0 (IQR: 2.3-7.3), and primary/mixed and secondary mitral regurgitation were present in 59.0% and 38.5%, respectively. The median interval from TEER to surgery was 3.5months (IQR: 0.5-11.9months), with overall median Society of Thoracic Surgeons risk of 4.8% for MV replacement (IQR: 2.8%-8.4%). The primary indication for surgery was recurrent mitral regurgitation (33.5%), and MV replacement and concomitant tricuspid surgery were performed in 92.5% and 42.2% of patients, respectively. The 30-day and 1-year mortality rates were 16.6% and 31.3%, respectively. On Kaplan-Meier analysis, the actuarial estimates of mortality were 24.1% at 1 year and 31.7% at 3 years after MV surgery. In this first report of the CUTTING-EDGE registry, the mortality and morbidity risks of MV surgery after TEER were not negligible, and only<10% of patients underwent MV repair. These registry data provide valuable insights for further research to improve these outcomes.

Long-Term Clinical Outcome in Elderly Patients Undergoing Mitral Valve Repair.

Long-term data on patients over 75 years undergoing mitral valve (MV) repair are scarce. At our high-volume institution, we, therefore, aimed to evaluate mortality, stroke risk, and reoperation rates in these patients. We investigated clinical outcomes in 372 patients undergoing MV repair with (n = 115) or without (n = 257) tricuspid valve repair. The primary endpoint was the probability of survival up to a maximum follow-up of 9 years. Secondary clinical endpoints were stroke and reoperation of the MV during follow-up. Univariate and multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed to assess independent predictors of mortality. Mortality was also compared with the age- and sex-adjusted general population. During a median follow-up period of 37 months (range: 0.1-108 months), 90 patients died. The following parameters were independently associated with mortality: double valve repair (hazard ratio, confidence interval [HR, 95% CI]: 2.15, 1.37-3.36), advanced age (HR: 1.07, CI: 1.01-1.14 per year), diabetes (HR: 1.97, CI: 1.13-3.43), preoperative New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class (HR: 1.41, CI: 1.01-1.97 per class), and operative creatininemax levels (HR: 1.32, CI: 1.13-1.55 per mg/dL). The risk of stroke in the isolated MV and double valve repair groups at postoperative year 5 was 5.0 and 4.1%, respectively (p = 0.65). The corresponding values for the risk of reoperation were 4.0 and 7.0%, respectively (p = 0.36). Nine-year survival was comparable with the general population (53.2 vs. 53.1%). Various independent risk factors for mortality in elderly MV repair patients could be identified, but overall survival rates were similar to those of the general population. Consequently, our data indicates that repairing the MV in elderly patients represents a suitable and safe surgical approach.

Sex-based differences in mitral valve Re-operation after mitral valve repair: Truth or myth?

BackgroundOutcomes after mitral valve (MV) repair are known to be worse in women. Less is known about sex-based differences in MV repair durability. MethodsAll adult patients undergoing MV repair from 2002 to 2016 were reviewed. Of 2463 cases, 947 (39%) were women. Re-operation risk was defined as any intervention for repair failure or MV disease progression. Median follow-up was 8.2 years. ResultsWomen were older with higher STS-risk scores and were more likely to have rheumatic disease (RHD). Operative mortality was clinically higher in women (2.7% vs 1.7%; P = 0.09). Although women had significantly higher 10-year re-operation risk (7% vs 4%), adjusted longitudinal analysis showed that this was associated with RHD in women (HR 4.04; P = 0.001). Female sex alone was not a significant predictor (P = 0.21). ConclusionsRe-operation following MV repair was infrequent. Women had increased re-operation risk that was largely attributable to their worse preoperative profiles rather than female sex alone.

Degenerative Mitral Valve Repair Simplified: An Evolution to Universal Artificial Cordal Repair

Resectional and artificial cordal repair techniques are effective strategies for degenerative mitral valve (MV) repair. However, resectional repair requires a tailored approach using various techniques, whereas cordal repair offers a simpler, easily reproducible repair. The approach described in this study approach has evolved from resectional to cordal over time, and outcomes are compared between the eras. Clinical and echocardiographic outcomes of all patients undergoing MV repair for degenerative mitral regurgitation (MR) from January 2004 to September 2017 were reviewed. Patients were stratified by era: from January 2004 to June 2011 (era 1; n= 405), resectional techniques were used in 62% and artificial cordal techniques were used in 38%. From July 2011 to September 2017 (era 2; n= 438), artificial cordal repair was used in 98% of patients. The primary outcome was repair failure, defined as greater than moderate MR or MV reoperation. Of 847 patients with degenerative MR, successful repair was achieved in 843 patients (99.5% repair rate). Leaflet prolapse was posterior in 66%, anterior in 8%, and bileaflet in 26%. Cardiopulmonary bypass time and cross-clamp times were shorter in era 2 (CPB: 109 [IQR, 92-128] minutes vs 97 [IQR, 76-121] minutes; P < .001; cross-clamp: 88 [IQR, 73-106] minutes vs. 79 [IQR, 61-99] minutes; P < .001). Predismissal echocardiography demonstrated no MR or trace MR in 95%, mild MR in 4.7%, and moderate MR in 0.3% of patients. Operative mortality was similar in the eras (0.5% vs 0.5%; P > .999). The rates of 5-year freedom from repair failure (95.1% vs 95.5%; P= .707), stroke (96.8% vs 95.3%; P= .538), and endocarditis (99.3% vs 99.7%; P= .604) were similar between theeras. Artificial cordal repair for all patients with degenerative MR simplifies MV repair and yields equivalent, excellent outcomes compared with a tailored resectional approach.

Causes, Risk Factors, and Costs of 30-Day Readmissions After Mitral Valve Repair and Replacement

Postsurgical readmissions are an increasingly scrutinized marker of health care quality. We sought to estimate the risk factors and costs associated with readmissions after mitral valve (MV) surgery in a large, nationally representative cohort. Adult patients undergoing MV repair or replacement were queried from the National Readmissions Database from 2010 to 2014. Data were collected on the prevalence and indications for readmission within 30 days as well as the hospital-, procedure, and patient-level risk factors as determined by multivariable logistic regression. Among 76,342 patients undergoing MV surgery, the rate of 30-day readmission was 17.0%. Those undergoing replacement procedures had significantly higher readmission rates (20.7% vs 13.1%; P < .001) compared with repair. Significant independent predictors of readmission after both MV repair and replacement included length of stay ≥8 days, chronic lung disease, chronic renal disease, and low hospital procedural volume for MV surgery. Readmissions to nonindex hospitals accounted for 26.6% of all readmissions. The most common indications for readmission were heart failure (21.4%), arrhythmia (17.0%) and respiratory diagnoses (15.0%), and infections (10.2%). The mean cost per readmission was $15,397, and among readmitted patients, the cost of readmission accounted for 17.8% of the total cost of the episode of care. Nearly 1 in 5 patients undergoing MV surgery are readmitted within 30 days. Treatment at a low-volume center was strongly associated with readmission, and much of the readmission burden falls on nonindex hospitals. Further characterization of readmissions may improve the quality of care associated with MV surgery.

Intraoperative assessment of mitral valve repair: Validation of the saline test with nonresectional repair techniques.

Intraoperative assessment of the repaired mitral valve (MV) by saline testing is a standard maneuver in MV repair. Despite a growing interest in application of nonresectional techniques, the utility of the saline test following repair with neochordae has not been systematically assessed. We sought to determine the accuracy of the saline test following MV repair using nonresectional techniques. We included 25 adult patients undergoing MV repair for degenerative valve disease between November 2018 and February 2019. The surgical repair was performed using nonresectional techniques with neochordae either through a sternotomy or a robotic approach. Twenty-five patients underwent successful MV repair, all with excellent echocardiographic results. In four patients (16%), the saline test suggested discrete areas of leaflet malcoaptation and leakage, leading to additional repair maneuvers. In 16 patients (64%), the final saline test demonstrated excellent coaptation with little or no leak. In nine patients (36%), the final saline test was inconclusive (ventricle could not be filled) or poor (diffuse leak). Post-repair intraoperative echocardiography demonstrated no or trivial mitral regurgitation in all patients, and no patient required a second pump run. After repair with neochordae, a satisfactory saline test indicates a good repair and discrete leaks on the saline test suggest the need for further surgical maneuvers. If the surgeon has employed standard repair techniques using neochordae but the saline test is inconclusive or poor, additional repair maneuvers are generally unnecessary, as intraoperative echocardiography will usually demonstrate a good repair.

Minimally invasive mitral valve repair or replacement for degenerative mitral regurgitation.

This study describes our experience with minimally invasive mitral valve (MV) repair and chordal-sparing replacement in patients with degenerative MV regurgitation. Between February 2009 and October 2015, a total of 960 patients underwent isolated minimally invasive MV repair, whereas 95 patients underwent chordal-sparing MV replacement. We performed a propensity score-matched analysis in 85 pairs to compare overall survival and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event (MACCE) -free survival over an 8-year follow-up period. For sensitivity analyses, in the entire study cohort, we used the multivariable-adjusted Cox regression analysis to assess the overall mortality and MACCE. In the propensity score-matched pairs, the 7-year probability of survival was 76.3% in the repair group and 78.8% in the replacement group (P = 0.60). Similarly, freedom from MACCE at year 7 of follow-up did not differ between the repair and replacement groups (78.6% and 72.3%, respectively; P = 0.48). The corresponding values for 7-year freedom from valve reintervention were 95.6% and 98.8%, respectively (P = 0.31). In the entire study cohort, the multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of mortality for the replacement versus the repair group was 1.31 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.68-2.50; P = 0.42], and the multivariable-adjusted HR of MACCE was 1.03 (95% CI 0.61-1.74; P = 0.91). Our findings suggest that mid-term clinical outcomes do not significantly differ between patients undergoing MV repair or chordal-sparing MV replacement.

Active infective mitral valve endocarditis: is a repair-oriented surgery safe and durable?

We retrospectively analysed our 20-year experience on surgical treatment of native mitral valve (MV) endocarditis in a single institution using an early and repair-oriented surgical approach. From August 1991 to December 2015, 192 consecutive patients underwent MV surgery for active endocarditis. Of these, 81% (n = 155) had MV repair while 19% had MV replacement. In-hospital and late outcomes were analysed in the 2 groups and in the subgroups of repair with and without the use of a patch. Study end points were overall survival, MV reoperation and valve-related events. The median follow-up was 122 and 146 months in the repair and replacement groups, respectively. Patients undergoing MV replacement were significantly older with more severe preoperative comorbidities and clinical conditions compared to patients undergoing MV repair (P < 0.05). When the repair and replacement groups were compared, hospital mortality was 11.6% and 29.7%, respectively (P = 0.006); at 15 years, overall survival was 57 ± 6% and 36 ± 12%, respectively (P = 0.03); freedom from MV reoperation was 81 ± 6% and 73 ± 18%, respectively (P = 0.46); linearized rate of recurrent endocarditis was 0.1% and 2.4%, respectively. Fifteen-year freedom from reoperation was 75.4 ± 8.6% vs 92 ± 4.5% in the patch versus no-patch repair subgroups, respectively (P = 0.33). Active MV endocarditis remains a life-threatening disease. In experienced centres, an early and repair-oriented surgical approach can achieve relatively high reparability rates with good long-term durability of the repair and a very low recurrence rate of endocarditis. Patients could benefit from MV repair even if patch material is necessary to repair the valve.

Long-term results after concomitant mitral and aortic valve surgery: repair or replacement?

The reported superiority of mitral valve (MV) repair for isolated MV regurgitation has not been confirmed in mitroaortic valve surgery. Our goals were to evaluate the feasibility of repair in patients undergoing mitral and aortic valve surgery and to identify factors predisposing to MV replacement, to compare long-term outcomes (survival and MV reoperation) of repair and replacement and to perform a subgroup analysis in patients with rheumatic MV disease. From January 1992 through December 2016, 1122 consecutive patients were submitted to concomitant aortic and MV surgery in 2 different centres (Coimbra and Santiago). Of these, 837 patients underwent MV repair (74.6%) and 285 patients had MV replacement (25.4%). Rheumatic aetiology was predominant (666 patients; 59.4%). Cumulative follow-up was 9522.6 patient-years (25th-75th percentile 2.6-13.2 years) and was complete for 95.6% of patients. Propensity score matching (1:1) was performed in 232 patients for comparing each treatment option (MV repair and MV replacement). Previous MV intervention, rheumatic aetiology, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, higher degrees of tricuspid and mitral regurgitation and pulmonary hypertension were independently correlated with MV replacement. The 30-day mortality rate was higher in patients with MV replacement (4.2% vs 1.8%, P = 0.021) and was confirmed in the propensity score matching (4.7% vs 1.7%, P = 0.06). Late survival was lower in the MV replacement group (53.3 ± 4.5% vs 61.7 ± 2.0% at 12 years; P = 0.026) and was confirmed in the propensity score matching (54.6 ± 4.9% vs 63.2 ± 3.8%, P = 0.062) and rheumatic subgroup (57.9 ± 4.8% vs 68.0 ± 2.5%, P = 0.018). Freedom from MV reoperation at 12 years was higher in the MV repair group (94.7 ± 1.1% vs 89.0 ± 3.1%, P = 0.004) but similar in patients with rheumatic MV disease. MV repair can be performed in most patients undergoing aortic valve replacement. It should be the procedure of choice whenever feasible, because it is associated with lower early and late mortality rates and with freedom from reoperation in non-rheumatic patients.

Prognostic impact of leaflet-to-annulus index in patients treated with transapical off-pump echo-guided mitral valve repair with NeoChord implantation

BackgroundThe transapical echo-guided NeoChord repair is a procedure to correct mitral regurgitation (MR) without the need for concomitant annuloplasty for degenerative mitral valve (MV) disease. Lacking strict criteria to define normal annular dimensions for patients undergoing MV repair, we consequently missed having precise selection criteria to identify patients who can benefit from a ringless procedure with respect to who would need a combined annular and leaflet repair. The aim of this study is to identify whether a new preoperative echocardiographic index may predict postoperative outcomes after NeoChord repair. MethodsAll consecutive patients with posterior leaflet disease who underwent NeoChord repair between November 2013 and January 2016 presenting complete postoperative echocardiographic assessment up to 1year were included. Leaflet-to-Annulus Index (LAI) was defined as the ratio between the sum of anterior leaflet length (AML) and posterior leaflet length (PML) over antero-posterior length (AP; AML+PML/AP). Measurements were performed with 2D transesophageal echocardiography. ResultsSixty-six patients were enrolled. At 1year MR was absent in (24) 38% of patients, mild in (28) 44%, moderate in (10) 16% and severe in (1) 2%. Logistic regression analysis identified LAI as positive prognostic predictor of MR≤mild for values >1.35 at 3months, 1.30 at 6months and 1.25 at 1year. At 30days LAI was not associated with the grade of residual MR. ConclusionsLAI is a positive postoperative predictor of MR≤mild at 1-year follow-up and can be used to identify patients who could benefit from a ringless NeoChord repair procedure for the absence of a leaflet-to-annulus mismatch.