Anterior leaflet augmentation for ischemic mitral regurgitation

Background Mitral valve repair improves survival and quality of life in patients with ischemic mitral regurgitation (MR). Although many repair methods exist for this condition, the ideal approach remains unknown. The purpose of this study is to describe a simple technique for repair of ischemic MR that addresses the pathophysiology of tethered leaflets and to report its early results. Methods The technique consists of pericardial patch enlargement of the anterior mitral leaflet and placement of a flexible annuloplasty band. Candidates for the repair had ischemic cardiomyopathy and echocardiographic evidence of moderate or severe Carpentier type IIIb MR. Patients were followed with serial echocardiography. Results Between January 2002 and November 2003, 25 adult patients underwent anterior leaflet augmentation for ischemic MR. Mean age was 64.8 ± 10.6 years, and mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 0.36 ± 0.14. Preoperative MR by transesophageal echocardiography was severe in 84% of patients and moderate in 16%. Annuloplasty band sizes were 27 mm to 31 mm (mean, 28.4 ± 1.1 mm). Concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting was performed in all patients. Transesophageal echocardiography immediately after repair revealed MR to be none or trace in 80% of patients and mild in 20%. No intraoperative conversion to valve replacement was performed. In follow-up, 2 patients have experienced moderate MR and are being treated medically, and no patients have mitral stenosis. At 2 years, actuarial freedom from moderate or greater MR is 81%. Conclusions For patients with ischemic MR, anterior leaflet augmentation is a simple and reproducible method of valve repair that addresses the pathophysiology of tethered leaflets. Early results in a small number of patients have been encouraging.