Valve Repair Research Articles

A Protocol Investigation Comparing Transcatheter Repair with the Standard Surgical Procedure for Secondary Mitral Regurgitation

Background: Secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR) is characterized by a pathological process impacting the left ventricle (LV) as opposed to the mitral valve (MV). In the absence of structural alterations to the MV, the expansion of the LV or impairment of the papillary muscles (PMs) may ensue. A number of technical procedures are accessible for the purpose of determining the optimal resolution for MR. Nevertheless, there is a dearth of rigorous data to facilitate a comparative analysis of MV replacement, MV repair (including subvalvular repair), and transcatheter mitral valve interventions (TMV-Is). The objective of this investigation is to evaluate and compare the efficacy and clinical outcomes of transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMV-r) utilizing the edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (TEER) procedure in comparison to conventional surgical mitral valve interventions (S-SMVis) in patients with secondary mitral regurgitation. Methods and analysis: A consortium of five cardiac surgery institutions from four European states and Japan have joined forces to establish a multicenter observational registry, designated TEERMISO. Patients who underwent technical procedures for SMR between January 2007 and December 2023 will be enrolled consecutively into the TEERMISO registry. The investigation team evaluated the comparative efficacy of replacement and repair techniques, utilizing both the standard surgical methodology and the transcatheter intervention. The primary clinical outcome will be the degree of left ventricular remodeling, as assessed by the left ventricular end-diastolic volume index, at 10 years. The forthcoming research will assess a variety of secondary endpoints, among which all-cause mortality will be the primary endpoint. Subsequent assessments will be made in the following order: functional status, hospitalization, neurocognition, physiological measures (echocardiographic assessment), occurrence of adverse clinical incidents, and reoperation. Ethics and dissemination: The multicenter design of the database is anticipated to reduce the potential for bias associated with institutional caseload and surgical experience. All participating centers possess an established mitral valve protocol that facilitates comprehensive follow-up and management of any delayed mitral complications following replacement surgery or surgical repair of the secondary mitral regurgitation. The data collected will provide insights into the impact of diverse surgical approaches on standard mitral valve surgery and TEER. This will facilitate the evaluation of LV remodeling over the course of long-term post-procedural follow-up. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05090540; IRB ID: 202201143

Mid-term outcomes of atrioventricular valve repair in functional single ventricle patients

BackgroundSurgical treatment of functional single ventricle combined with atrioventricular valve regurgitation remains a clinical challenge. The outcomes of atrioventricular valve repair in patients with single ventricle are limited.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted of all 28 patients with functional single ventricle treated with single-ventricle palliation who underwent atrioventricular valve operation at the First Hospital of Tsinghua University between April 2007 and October 2022.ResultsIn our cohort, the female/male ratio was 7:21, with an average age of 8.7 ± 6.0 (0.75–26) years. Half of patients (50%) were right-ventricle type for single-ventricle morphology. 18 patients (64.3%) were with a common atrioventricular valve. Twenty-three patients (82.1%) were combined with heterotaxy syndrome. Pre-operatively, twenty-four patients (85.7%) were diagnosed with severe atrioventricular valve regurgitation. AVV was repaired at the Glenn (n = 16, 57.1%), Glenn-Fontan (n = 2, 7.1%) and Fontan (n = 10, 35.7%) stage, respectively. Valve plastic techniques included valve annulus/commissure constriction (n = 24), clefts repair (9 cases), edge-to-edge suturing (13 cases) and common atrioventricular valve separation (4 cases). The early mortality was 3.6% (1/28). All survival patients were observed with improved regurgitation situations. Twenty-two patients (78.5%) were observed with no more than mild regurgitation postoperatively. The mean follow-up time was 5.4 ± 2.9 years (range, 3.08–11.83 years), with late mortality of 11.1% (3/27). All these three cases were observed with a severe regurgitation by echocardiogram in the last follow-up. Besides, reoperation rate of this cohort was 3.6% (1/28).ConclusionsAVV repair could significantly improve AVV function in SV patients combined with severe AVVR, with satisfactory mid-term results. Part of the cohort showed poor prognosis due to repeated AVVR. Regular follow-up by echocardiogram is critically important for these patients.

Transjugular Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Mitral Valve Repair in a Patient with Functional Mitral Regurgitation: A Case Report

Abstract Background Transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (M-TEER) using the MitraClip system is primarily performed using the transfemoral approach. However, when this approach is not feasible, the transjugular approach can be used as an alternative. Case Summary A 57-year-old man presented with heart failure and persistent New York Heart Association Class IV symptoms, refractory to guideline-directed medical therapy, intravenous therapy, and intra-aortic balloon pumping. His medical history included pulmonary embolism secondary to deep vein thrombosis, which occluded the inferior vena cava (IVC). Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) revealed severe functional mitral regurgitation (FMR). The IVC occlusion made the transfemoral approach impossible, hence, transjugular M-TEER was planned. Transseptal puncture was performed via the right internal jugular (RIJ), 32 mm above the mitral annulus. A Confida wire was positioned in the left ventricle and a steerable guiding catheter was introduced with 180-degree clockwise rotation of the + knob for septal crossing through the stiff wire. The MitraClip XTW was inserted into the catheter with a 90-degree counterclockwise rotation. After adjusting to a straddle position to move the clip laterally, additional knob rotations were performed to position the clip at A2/P2. Once the clip was placed, only trivial mitral regurgitation (MR) remained. No complications occurred, and the patient improved, allowing discharge. TTE at 1-year post-procedure demonstrated sustained MR reduction. Discussion We have described the successful completion of M-TEER using the RIJ approach in a patient with severe FMR. Technical considerations in M-TEER require special attention because of limited reports on the M-TEER procedure via the RIJ.

Surgical technique for mitral valve repair in dogs using a novel method to anchor artificial chordae tendineae with emphasis on key intraoperative decision points

ObjectivesSurgical options for mitral valve repair in dogs are unstandardized and influenced by various factors. This study describes a four-point surgical technique (MI-4) to reduce mitral regurgitation and provides data from a study of dogs with 12 months of follow up.MethodsTwenty-five dogs with stages C or D mitral insufficiency were treated by one of two surgeons using the MI-4 procedure at Ueno no Mori Animal Hospital between October 2021 and May 2023. The surgical technique comprised: (I) determination of the valve annulus dimensions by measuring between the trigones, (II) triad-anchored chordae tendinea reconstruction, (III) determination of the appropriate position and number of chordae tendineae on the leaflets, and (IV) appropriate height determination. The regurgitation percentage was measured using B-mode color Doppler flow in the atrium in the four-chamber left long-axis view.ResultsThere were no intraoperative complications, and 23, 23, and 18 dogs were successfully re-evaluated at 1, 6, and 12 months, respectively (5 dogs have not yet reached the 12-month follow-up point). The regurgitation percentage decreased from 73.0% (interquartile range, 58.1–81.5%) preoperatively to 2.1% (0.0–8.8%), 4.6% (0.1–10.8), and 1.3% (0.0–7.1) at 1, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, respectively. All surviving dogs improved clinically.ConclusionThe MI-4 surgical technique was performed in dogs with mitral valve insufficiency with no significant complications. The surgery reduced the regurgitation percentage postoperatively, with benefits seen at least 12 months after surgery.

A Triple Threat: A Case Report Detailing Surgical Management for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Flail Mitral Valve and Severe Pulmonary Hypertension

The combination of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with outflow tract obstruction, severe pre-capillary and post-capillary pulmonary hypertension, and severe primary mitral regurgitation is rare and presents distinct management challenges. Background and Clinical Significance: Pulmonary hypertension is an independent predictor of all-cause mortality in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy managed medically and often precludes patients from undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass due to increased surgical morbidity and mortality. In studies specifically evaluating surgical myectomy, however, survival is favorable in patients with moderate-to-severe pulmonary hypertension. Case Presentation: We present a case of a 74-year-old male with six months of dyspnea with minimal exertion. A diagnostic work-up with transthoracic echocardiogram showed asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy, left ventricular outflow tract obstruction with a peak gradient of 200 mmHg, right ventricular systolic pressure of 99 mmHg, systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve and flail anterior mitral leaflet. The patient was evaluated by a multi-disciplinary team and underwent extended septal myectomy and mitral valve repair with significant improvement in functional capacity post-operatively. Conclusions: While pulmonary hypertension increases the risk of morbidity and mortality during cardiopulmonary bypass, moderate-to-severe pulmonary hypertension in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with outflow tract obstruction is a unique indication for septal reduction therapy that may not be associated with higher surgical mortality.

Successful Treatment of Unilateral Pulmonary Edema as Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery Complication—Case Presentation

Background/Objectives: In recent decades, the advantages of minimizing surgical trauma have led to the development of minimally invasive surgical procedures. While the benefits often outweigh the risks, several challenges are encountered that are not present in conventional surgical approaches. Unilateral pulmonary edema (UPE) after mitral interventions performed through a right-sided approach is a rare but potentially life-threatening event. Methods: We present the case of a 49-year-old patient who underwent endoscopic mitral valve repair. Immediately following ICU admission, the patient’s oxygen saturation suddenly dropped, and serous discharge was exteriorized from the endotracheal tube, with a thoracic X-ray revealing right-sided unilateral pulmonary edema. Results: The therapeutical course was complex. The patient developed hemodynamic instability, leading to cardiac arrest, which required cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the initiation of peripheral veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). The endotracheal cannula was replaced with a right-sided double-lumen cannula, and the patient was placed on two ventilators operating independently. The patient was weaned off extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) on the fifth day and extubated on the sixth postoperative day. Conclusions: We successfully treated this patient using ECMO and independent lung ventilation. Several cases have been described in the literature, but the pathogenesis and risk factors of UPE remain unclear. Management depends on the severity of UPE, but a deeper understanding of its underlying mechanisms could provide cardiac surgeons with enhanced strategies for preventing UPE and implementing timely interventions.

The multi-center mid-term clinical outcomes of combined complete preservation of chordal structure mitral valve replacement with total anatomic complete arterial myocardial revascularization for coronary patients with moderate-to-severe or severe ischemic mitral regurgitation

Objective: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of combined complete preservation of chordal structure mitral valve replacement (C-MVR) with total anatomical arterial myocardial revascularization (TACR) in coronary patients with moderate-to-severe or severe ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR). Methods: This is a retrospective multi-center case series study. Data were retrospectively collected from 127 patients with coronary artery disease with moderate to severe or severe IMR who received TACR with C-MVR from July 2015 to April 2024 in 13 hospitals in China. There were 90 males and 37 females, aged (56.5±10.7) years (range: 33 to 74 years). Perioperative data and follow-up data including left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, and patency rate of arterial grafts of patients were collected. Comparisons were made using paired sample t-test or χ2 test. Results: In this cohort of 127 patients, 67 underwent concurrent tricuspid valve repair. During surgery, 113 grafts of the left internal mammary artery (LIMA), 127 grafts of the left radial artery, 80 grafts of the right radial artery, and 110 grafts of the right internal mammary artery (RIMA) were harvested. The number of the distal anastomosis was 4.2±0.4 (range: 3 to 5). The aortic cross-clamp time and cardiopulmonary bypass time were (97.5±23.4) minutes (range: 90 to 161 minutes) and (145.4±19.2) minutes (range: 101 to 210 minutes), respectively. There was one operative death. Intraoperative placement of an intra-aortic balloon pump was performed in 21 patients to improve the left ventricular ejection. No sternal ischemic occurred. All patients completed follow-up, with a mean follow-up period of (64.3±7.5) months (range: 4 to 110 months). No major cerebrovascular events occurred during the follow-up period, and all patients survived. Left ventricular ejection fraction improved postoperatively (55.0%±5.3% vs. 41.0%±15.3%, t=17.23, P<0.01). The proportion of patients with New York Heart Association functional class ≤2 increased postoperatively (23.6% (30/127) vs. 87.3% (110/126), χ²=103.77, P<0.01). The proportion of patients with Canadian Cardiovascular Society Angina Classification ≤3 decreased postoperatively (4.8% (6/126) vs. 78.7% (100/127), χ²=142.19, P<0.01). The left ventricular end-diastolic diameter decreased postoperatively ((5.70±4.50) cm vs. (6.10±0.23) cm, t=12.15, P<0.01). Coronary multi-detector computed tomography angiography (MDCTA) follow-up was conducted for (60.5±11.7) months (range: 6 to 109 months) postoperatively. MDCTA confirmed the patency rates of the grafts: 96.4% (108/112) for the LIMA grafts, 88.9% (112/126) for the left radial artery grafts, 93.7% (74/79) for the right radial artery grafts, and 90.9% (100/110) for the free RIMA grafts. No significant differences in graft patency rates were observed between the arterial grafts (χ²=5.24, P=0.155). Conclusion: The results of this multi-centre study demonstrate satisfactory mid-term results of C-MVR with TACR for the treatment of coronary artery disease with moderate to severe or severe IMR.

Predictors of the Need for Permanent Pacemaker Implantation After Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement with a Biological Prosthesis and the Effect on Long-Term Survival

The need for a permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation after surgical aortic valve implantation (SAVR) is a recognized postoperative complication, with potentially long-term reduced survival. From 1987 to 2017, 2500 consecutive patients underwent SAVR with a biological valve with or without concomitant procedures such as CABG or mitral valve repair. Mechanical valves or valves in another position were excluded. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. The need for PPM implantation was documented in 2.7% of the cases. Patients with a postoperative PPM were older and had higher risk scores and a higher comorbid burden. Its predictors were a prior SAVR (odds ratio of 5.38, p &lt; 0.001), use of a Perceval valve (3.94, p = 0.008), prior AV block 1–2 (2.86, p = 0.008), and pulmonary hypertension (2.09, p = 0.017). The need for PPM implantation was associated with an increased need for blood products, a prolonged stay in the ICU, and an increased 30-day mortality (2.5% vs. 7.0%, p = 0.005). The median survival decreased from 117 (114–120) to 90 (74–105) months (p &lt; 0.001). The implantation had no significant effect on the freedom of congestive heart failure. The need for a PPM implant is not a benign event but might be a marker for a more severe underlying disease. Improving surgical techniques, especially with the Perceval rapid deployment valve, might decrease the need for a PPM implant.

Clinical feasibility study of transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair in dogs with the canine V-Clamp device

ObjectiveTo determine procedural feasibility, safety, and short-term efficacy in dogs with severe degenerative mitral regurgitation (MR) undergoing transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) with a canine-specific device.DesignProspective, single-arm (uncontrolled), single-institution clinical feasibility study.AnimalsFifty client-owned dogs with severe degenerative MR operated over a 28-month period.MethodsTEER was performed using the canine mitral V-Clamp via a transapical approach using transesophageal echocardiographic and fluoroscopic guidance. Indices of MR severity were determined by echocardiography the day before and 2 to 3 days after the procedure.ResultsProcedural feasibility was 96% based on delivery of at least one device in 48 of 50 dogs. There were no procedural deaths. Procedural safety was 96% based on survival to hospital discharge in 48 of 50 dogs. Euthanasia in 2 dogs prior to hospital discharge was due to damage of the mitral valve and worsened MR after the procedure. Device-related adverse event rate was 6.3% based on 3 events (single-leaflet device detachment, locking failure, locking failure with device embolization) in 59 implanted devices. All three events were nonfatal and successfully treated with a second device. Median regurgitant volume (mL/kg) decreased (p &amp;lt; 0.001) from 2.3 [1.9, 3.1] to 1.1 [0.3, 1.8]. Median effective regurgitant orifice area (cm2/m2) decreased (p &amp;lt; 0.001) from 0.60 [0.40, 0.80] to 0.25 [0.10, 0.50].Conclusion and clinical importanceInitial feasibility results support continued development of TEER as a procedurally feasible, relatively low-risk, and low morbidity treatment for degenerative MR in dogs. Operator experience and case selection are likely to be important components of success of this technique. Evidence of short-term efficacy is promising but needs to be verified with longer-term follow up.

ECMO in the Management of Noncardiogenic Pulmonary Edema with Increased Inflammatory Reaction After Cardiac Surgery: A Case Report and Literature Review

Noncardiogenic pulmonary edema after cardiac surgery is a rare but severe complication. The etiology remains poorly understood; however, the issue may arise from multiple sources. Possible causes include a significant inflammatory response or an autoimmune process. Pulmonary edema resulting from noncardiac etiologies can necessitate extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) because most of the cases present a substantial volume of fluid expelled from the lungs and the medical team must manage the inability to achieve effective ventilation. A 64-year-old patient with known heart disease was admitted to our clinic with acute pulmonary edema. His medical history included Barlow’s disease, severe mitral regurgitation (IIP2), moderate–severe tricuspid regurgitation, and moderate pulmonary hypertension. The patient had a coronary angiography performed in a prior hospitalization before the surgical intervention which indicated the absence of coronary lesions. Preoperative screening (nasal, pharyngeal exudate, inguinal pouch culture, and urine culture) was negative, with no active dental infections. The patient was stabilized, and 14 days post-admission, mitral and tricuspid valve repair was performed via a thoracoscopic approach. After being admitted to intensive care post-surgery, the patient quickly developed pulmonary edema, producing a large volume (4.5 L) of yellow secretions through the intubation tube followed by hemodynamic instability necessitating high doses of medications to support circulation but no cardiorespiratory arrest. Due to his worsening condition, the patient was urgently taken back to the operating room, where veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) was initiated to support oxygenation and stabilize the patient.

Long-term outcomes with medical therapy, transcatheter repair, or surgery for isolated tricuspid regurgitation: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Several transcatheter tricuspid valve (TV) repair devices for tricuspid regurgitation (TR) have emerged. However, few studies have compared transcatheter TV repair with medical therapy (MT) alone or isolated TV surgery. PubMed and EMBASE were searched in February 2024. Studies comparing at least any of the following 2 were included: MT, surgical TV repair, surgical TV replacement, or transcatheter TV repair. The primary outcome was long-term mortality (≧ 1year). The secondary outcomes were short-term mortality (30-day or in-hospital mortality) and periprocedural complications. We performed a network meta-analysis using a random effects model. A total of 25,831 patients from 22 studies (one randomized trial and 21 observational studies) were included. MT alone was associated with higher long-term mortality compared to surgical TV repair (HR [95% CI] 1.72 [1.34-2.23]), surgical TV replacement (HR [95% CI] 1.49 [1.14-1.96]), and transcatheter TV repair (HR [95% CI] 1.52 [1.30-1.78]). Long-term mortality was comparable between transcatheter and surgical interventions. Transcatheter TV repair had a lower risk of short-term mortality (versus surgical TV repair; RR [95% CI] 0.40 [0.22-0.72], versus surgical TV replacement; RR [95% CI] 0.35 [0.19-0.66]) and lower rates of periprocedural complications, including new pacemaker implantation, renal complications, cardiogenic shock than surgical interventions. MT alone for TR was associated with higher long-term mortality compared to surgical or transcatheter TV interventions. Transcatheter TV repair had better periprocedural outcomes compared to surgical interventions with similar long-term mortality. Despite the possibility of selection bias, transcatheter TV repair appears to be an attractive option for TR treatment.

Symmetrical bicuspidization of the aortic valve in a child

We present the case of a 4-year-old patient who underwent an aortic valve repair and concomitant septal myectomy and ascending aorta enlargement. The aortic valve was severely stenotic, bicuspid with a fused left–right commissure and a rudimentary right coronary leaflet. This case report demonstrates how this problem was repaired with a good result.

Study of Degenerative Mitral Regurgitation Using Three-Dimensional Echocardiography and EchoPAC GE Health Care Software 4D Auto MVQ: Comparison Between Transthoracic and Transesophageal Examination.

Preoperative echocardiographic assessment is critical for patients with severe degenerative mitral regurgitation to ensure personalized surgical mitral valve repair. This study aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (3D TTE) and three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3D TEE) in identifying valvular lesions, using surgical findings as the reference. Additionally, we evaluated whether annular dimensional parameters derived from TTE and TEE, using dedicated 3D software, could confirm whether 3D TTE alone offers a comprehensive preoperative evaluation. We enrolled 60 patients with severe organic mitral regurgitation scheduled for surgical valve repair. Each patient underwent preoperative 3D TTE, intraoperative 3D TEE prior to surgery, followed by annuloplasty. Mitral valve reconstructions from both TTE and TEE were compared, and dedicated 3D software (EchoPAC GE-Health-Care Software 3D-auto-MVQ) was employed to reconstruct annular geometries from both methods. Both 3D TTE and 3D TEE demonstrated comparable accuracy in identifying diseased scallops (overall accuracy: 3D TTE 91.8%, 3D TEE 98.1%, p>0.05). However, 3D TTE was inferior to 3D TEE in identifying multiple chordal ruptures (accuracy: 3D TTE 80%, 3D TEE 100%). Quantitative analysis of the mitral annulus revealed that 3D TTE and 3D TEE yielded overlapping results for static parameters (p>0.05), whereas dynamic parameters differed significantly (p<0.05). In the selected population, 3D TTE demonstrated diagnostic accuracy comparable to transesophageal echocardiography in identifying mitral valve lesions. Furthermore, with the use of dedicated 3D software, TTE alone may provide a comprehensive and noninvasive preoperative evaluation, particularly for static annular parameters. Further studies are warranted to corroborate these findings.

Truncal valve repair in neonates.

Truncal valve repair in neonates.

Unavoidable Iatrogenic Mitral Stenosis Following Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Mitral Valve Repair With Current Devices

Unavoidable Iatrogenic Mitral Stenosis Following Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Mitral Valve Repair With Current Devices

Avoiding Aortic Valve Passage in Branched Arch Repair by Use of the Modified Balloon Nose Cone Technique.

To demonstrate the Modified Balloon Nose Cone Technique to avoid passage of the aortic valve in endovascular branched arch repair. The technique is demonstrated in a 54-year-old patient after previous open repair of the ascending aorta and mechanical aortic valve replacement due to type A aortic dissection. The delivery system of a custom-made stent-graft with 3 inner branches was modified by subtotally sawing off its nose cone. Using a right transaxillary access, a sheath was introduced over a through-and-through (TAT) wire exiting the left groin and meeting the branched stent-graft in a rendezvous fashion. A balloon was used to bridge the gap between both sheaths. Passing the innominate artery, both sheaths were pushed into the ascending aorta to establish a loop configuration of the balloon until the correct landing zone was reached. The main body was deployed, and the supra-aortic target vessels were connected. After the procedure, the mechanical aortic valve showed unimpaired function. The Modified Balloon Nose Cone Technique broadens the technical armamentarium in endovascular aortic arch repair offering a feasible solution to overcome the need of aortic valve passage. Especially patients with mechanical aortic valve could benefit from this method. To describe the feasibility and safety of the Modified Balloon Nose Cone Technique in a severely comorbid patient with residual Type A aortic dissection and history of ascending aortic repair and mechanical replacement of the aortic valve to broaden the technical armamentarium in endovascular aortic arch repair offering a feasible solution to overcome the need of aortic valve passage.

In Vitro Hydrodynamic Performance Evaluation of Valve Repair System

To meet the treatment requirements for mitral regurgitation disease, this study designed a novel valve repair system and evaluated its hydrodynamic performance. A mitral regurgitation model was created. The valve repair system was loaded onto the regurgitation model, and pulsatile flow tests and steady backflow leakage tests were conducted. The pulsatile flow test results indicated that the percentage of reflux after product implantation was lower than that before implantation under different concentric outputs and reverse pressures. The average cross-valve pressure difference after implantation was less than 5 mmHg. The steady backflow leakage test results showed that as the reverse pressure increased, the leakage amount of the valve repair system after implantation also increased. The developed valve repair system exhibits excellent hydrodynamic performance, suggesting the feasibility of its application in the treatment of clinical mitral regurgitation.

Long-term results of edge-to-edge and neochordal mitral repair for isolated anterior leaflet lesion: a propensity match analysis.

Mitral regurgitation due to anterior mitral leaflet lesions is associated with an increased risk of MR recurrence after mitral valve repair compared with posterior leaflet-related lesions. Both edge-to-edge and neochordal repair, associated with ring annuloplasty, have been used in our Institution to address isolated anterior mitral leaflet lesions. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and echocardiographic long-term results of those two approaches for isolated anterior mitral leaflet lesions by means of a propensity match analysis. An institutional database retrospective review within the time-frame 2000 to 2021 was carried out. Kaplan-Meier method and cumulative incidence function were employed. Cox regression was employed to identify the risk factor for mortality during the follow-up. The estimated freedom from reoperative mitral valve surgery at 20 years was 78% in the E-to-E group and 64% in the neochordae group (p = 0.032). The longitudinal analysis performed to analyze the MR recurrence rate showed a higher rate of mitral regurgitation ≥ 3+ recurrence in the neochordae group at 5 (5.1% vs 8.7%) -10 (8.2% vs 13.2%) and 15 years (8.8% vs 16.5%) (p < 0.001). Isolated anterior leaflet pathology can be effectively treated with edge-to-edge or neochordal repair and ring annuloplasty. In our series, clinical and echocardiographic results were better in edge-to-edge group. The excellent durability of this technique up to 20 years of follow-up, together with its simplicity and reproducibility, confirms the role the edge-to-edge techniques as an excellent treatment option for severe mitral regurgitation due anterior mitral leaflets lesions.

Early results of female patients who underwent mitral valve surgery through periareolar incision approach.

Approaches that require less invasive procedures, offer heal in a shorter time and provide better cosmetic results have gained importance with the technological and modern developments in cardiac surgery. Esthetically preferred results can be achieved after heart valve surgery using a periareolar incision, especially in female patients. In the present study, we aimed to present our results after surgery using periareolar incision in female patients. We retrospectively evaluated the 1-year follow-up results in the postoperative period of isolated mitral valve replacement and tricuspid valve repair with mitral valve replacement using a periareolar incision with direct observation in 32 patients between 2020 and 2023. At the end of 1-year follow-up, we evaluated the patients' visual satisfaction with the incision site using a visual analog scale. According to the postoperative follow-up results, no prosthetic mitral valve dysfunction was detected in any of the patients at the 1st year echocardiography controls. Mild tricuspid valve insufficiency was detected in 3 patients who underwent tricuspid valve repair. Besides, a high level of satisfaction was observed in the patients' incision site evaluations with a visual analog scale at the end of the first year, and no numbness was reported in the periareolar region in any of the patients. Our study shows that surgical results similar to conventional methods can be achieved with the periareolar approach, and patient satisfaction and recovery times are shorter and more satisfying. We also think that the periareolar incision can be made without videoassisted equipment and this may reduce the surgical cost.

State-of-the-Art Review of Aortic Root Reconstruction: Contemporary Techniques and Challenges.

Aortic root reconstruction operations have undergone substantial evolution with technical modifications, expanding indications, and the need for increasingly complex decision-making. The purpose of this state-of-the-art review is to detail our approach to contemporary aortic root reconstruction operations. First, we review the evolution of root reconstruction procedures over the years and discuss the approach to the aortic root patient for lifetime management of aneurysm and valvular disease in the modern context of management options. We also discuss state-of-the art technical considerations of valve-sparing root replacement, variations of the Ross operation, aortic valve repair principles and challenges in special populations, and considerations for complication-free coronary button reconstruction. We also discuss root reconstruction in high-risk subpopulations including acute type A aortic dissection, congenital, and reoperative patients. We briefly highlight future directions in transcatheter root replacement as well as the outlook for the next generation of aortic root surgeons.