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Updated: Jul 17, 2026

A Simplified Stepwise Approach to Echo Guidance during Percutaneous Mitral Valve Repair
Published on: October 16, 2021
[Direct observation of the effect of mitral valvuloplasty on beating heart]
Qing-hua Hu1, Sheng-xi Chen, Wan-jun Luo
1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China. shyswx@163.net
Objective:
To summarize the method and experience of direct observation of the effect of mitral valvuloplasty on beating heart.
Methods:
Twelve patients with mitral regurgitation underwent mitral valvuloplasty. When the heart was beating slowly before releasing the aorta, the morphology and function of the mitral valve were evaluated by direct observation. If the results were unsatisfactory, further techniques were used to reach the goal.
Results:
During the operation 2 patients needed further techniques to make the mitral valve work well. No operative death and only 1 complication (low cardiac output syndrome) occurred. After 1 month follow-up later, mild regurgitation was found in 5 patients, moderate regurgitation in 1 and no obvious regurgitation in 6.
Conclusion:
Evaluating the effect of mitral valvuloplasty by direct observation on beating heart is practicable.
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