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Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Fully Endoscopic Mitral Valve Repair with Percutaneous Cannulation of Groin Vessels
Published on: May 26, 2023
Left ventricular outflow obstruction after mitral valve replacement preserving native anterior leaflet
Kazuma Okamoto1, Issei Kiso, Yoshihito Inoue
1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Saiseikai Tochigiken Utsunomiya Hospital, Utsunomiya, Tochigi, Japan. kazuma@mail.com
Preserving the anterior mitral leaflet during mitral valve replacement can cause obstruction. A simple surgical incision relieved this obstruction in a patient with severe heart failure.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Cardiac Physiology
- Echocardiography
Background:
- Mitral valve replacement is a common procedure for severe mitral valve disease.
- Preservation of native mitral leaflets is sometimes performed during mitral valve replacement.
- Potential complications include dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction.
Observation:
- A 79-year-old female presented with heart failure 16 years post-mitral valve replacement.
- Echocardiography revealed systolic anterior motion of the preserved anterior mitral leaflet.
- Doppler confirmed severe left ventricular outflow tract obstruction during systole.
Findings:
- The obstruction was caused by the preserved anterior mitral leaflet.
- Surgical intervention involved incising the anterior mitral leaflet via the aortic root.
- This procedure successfully relieved the left ventricular outflow tract obstruction.
Implications:
- Simple leaflet incision can be an effective treatment for this specific type of obstruction.
- This approach avoids prosthetic valve removal or replacement.
- Highlights the importance of considering leaflet dynamics after mitral valve surgery.
Related Concept Videos
Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction
Mitral Valve Prolapse I: Introduction
Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management
Mitral Valve Prolapse II: Assessment and Management
Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction
Mitral Regurgitation III: Medical Management

