Partial anterior mitral leaflet resection with adjacent ring plication – feasibility pilot study

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the feasibility and repeatability of a partial removal of the anterior mitral leaflet medial part (AML-A3) accompanied by corresponding anterior mitral annulus plication as a method of valve repair. Four male land race pigs underwent median sternotomy and consecutive cardio-pulmonary by-pass under general anesthesia with hemodynamic monitoring. The AML was detached from the annulus at 1/3 of its length beginning from the postero-median commissure in the direction to the aortic valve and cut off towards the A2-A3 indentation. Three single 3-0 silk sutures were utilized to plicate the mitral annulus segment corresponding with the detached leaflet. The remaining free edge of the AML lateral part was reattached to the plicated ring and to the postero-median commissure with the running 5-0 polypropylene suture. Preoperative and postoperative epicardial echocardiography was performed. All animals survived the operation and were weaned from the cardiopulmonary bypass. All reconstructed MVs were competent. Mean MV diameter decreased after the plasty and did not cause significant diastolic MV flow velocity increase. LVOT anatomy was not altered as well as LVOT flow velocities remained unchanged. The AoV was competent after the operation and did not change its diameter. Partial AML resection completed by corresponding annulus plication is a feasible and repeatable procedure. It does not negatively influence the functioning of LVOT and AoV. Infective and/or congenital MV involvement in selected patients could be a possible indication for this method of MV reconstruction.