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A Simplified Stepwise Approach to Echo Guidance during Percutaneous Mitral Valve Repair
Published on: October 16, 2021
An approach to the surgery of mitral valve disease in children
Insights
Mitral valve surgery in 182 children effectively restored normal hemodynamics, significantly improving outcomes for severe mitral valve disease. Surgical treatment favorably alters the natural history of this condition in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
- Valvular Heart Disease
Background:
- Severe mitral valve disease in children presents significant morbidity and mortality risks.
- Early surgical intervention is crucial for restoring normal hemodynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of isolated mitral valve surgery in pediatric patients.
- To assess the efficacy of different surgical procedures for mitral valve disease in children.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 182 children under 16 undergoing mitral valve surgery.
- Procedures included closed valvulotomy, annuloplasty/reconstruction, and valve replacement.
- Outcomes were assessed based on mortality, morbidity, and long-term functional status.
Main Results:
- Mitral valve replacement showed satisfactory long-term results in 77% of patients.
- Closed mitral commissurotomy had a mortality rate of 2.8% and unsatisfactory results in specific cases.
- Annuloplasty/reconstruction yielded disappointing long-term outcomes and is not recommended.
Conclusions:
- Surgical treatment of severe mitral valve disease in children is associated with favorable outcomes.
- Restoring normal hemodynamics through surgery significantly improves the natural history of pediatric mitral valve disease.
- Mitral valve replacement is a viable option for severe cases, while annuloplasty is not recommended.
Abstract:
Isolated mitral valve surgery was carried out in 182 children under the age of 16 years. Closed valvulotomy was performed in 72, annuloplasty or reconstruction in 10 and valve replacement in 100 of the children. Preoperative atrial fibrillation implied severe disease. Acute rheumatic carditis was not a contraindication to operation. Two patients died after closed mitral commissurotomy and the results were unsatisfactory in nine children with valve calcification and in 12 with a small jet of incompetence. Restenosis occurred in 10 patients during a review period of five years. The long-term results of annuloplasty were disappointing, and this procedure is not recommended for children with mitral incompetence. Ten of the 100 patients who underwent mitral valve replacement died in hospital and there were two late deaths. Seventy-seven patients are completely well and 11 have grade II disability. Severe mitral valve disease in children is associated with high morbidity and mortality, unless normal hemodynamics are restored. Since the results of operation are so satisfactory, we believe that the natural history of this condition is most favorably altered by surgical treatment.
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