Techniques for Mitral Valve Repair

Abstract

Myxomatous degeneration of mitral valve apparatus affects 2-3% of the general population and it is the most common cause of severe mitral regurgitation in western countries. More than 90% of degenerative mitral valves are suitable for valve repair rather than replacement, with short and long term clinical outcomes being superior after repair. In addition to the clinical benefits, mitral valve repair is associated with an economic benefit in the form of reduced short and long term medical expenses. Patients who have undergone mitral valve repair have mitral function restored, have avoided the added expense of a prosthetic valve and are free from lifelong anti-coagulation requirement. A variety of surgical approaches (sternotomy, anterolateral thoracotomy, and robotic assisted procedures) and repair techniques have been developed over the last four decades to treat mitral valve regurgitation. In this chapter, we delineate different aspects of mitral valve repair techniques.