The incomplete ring with modulated flexibility: a new concept of mitral annuloplasty

Among the different techniques of mitral valve repair (involving chordea, commissures, papillary muscles, leaflets, or annulus), the annuloplasty remains a difficult problem-solving step. Since invention of the first ring, which was rigid and closed, the concept of annuloplasty has taken into consideration the following objectives: to make the available leaflet tissue well fitted to the systolic mitral orifice by repairing the length and shape of the dilated annulus, prevent its further dilatation, and provide a support to the fragile area after a partial leaflet resection.