Complicated mitral valve repairs

The standard of care for mitral regurgitation secondary to degenerative valvular disease is mitral valve repair whenever possible. Mitral valve repair is associated with better left ventricular function preservation, fewer complications, and improved survival as compared with mitral valve replacement. Most of the mitral valve pathology involves the posterior leaflet or annulus and usually can be repaired by using standard valve repair techniques. Difficulties may arise when trying to repair the somewhat uncommon anterior leaflet prolapse or calcified mitral annulus. This article reviews these more complex mitral valve repair techniques and their outcomes.