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Updated: Jul 9, 2026

Fully Endoscopic Mitral Valve Repair with Percutaneous Cannulation of Groin Vessels
Published on: May 26, 2023
Mitral valve replacement for a severely calcified mitral annulus
Masaru Yoshikai1, Hiroyuki Ohnishi, Hideyuki Fumoto
1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Shin-Koga Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan. myoshi@toq.ne.jp
Insights
This study presents a novel surgical technique for mitral valve replacement in hemodialysis patients with severe mitral annular calcification. The technique utilizes ultrasonic aspiration and pericardial grafting, achieving successful valve function and patient recovery without complications.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Biomaterials in Medicine
- Nephrology
Background:
- Mitral valve stenosis and severe mitral annular calcification pose significant surgical challenges, particularly in hemodialysis patients.
- Standard mitral valve replacement techniques may be complicated by extensive calcification, increasing risks of complications.
- Hemodialysis patients often have comorbidities that necessitate specialized surgical approaches.
Observation:
- A novel surgical technique was employed for mitral valve replacement in a hemodialysis patient with severe mitral annular calcification.
- Cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator (CUSA) was used for decalcification, creating a flat plane for valve implantation.
- Autologous pericardium was utilized for mitral annular reconstruction, providing a stable base for the prosthetic valve.
Findings:
- The described surgical technique successfully addressed severe mitral annular calcification during mitral valve replacement.
- The patient experienced a good recovery with normal prosthetic valve function and no perivalvular leakage.
- No embolic complications were observed post-operatively, highlighting the safety of the technique.
Implications:
- This technique of decalcification using CUSA and annular reconstruction with a pericardial patch is a viable option for valve replacement in patients with severe mitral annular calcification.
- The approach may reduce surgical risks and improve outcomes in complex mitral valve cases.
- Further studies are warranted to evaluate the long-term efficacy and broader applicability of this surgical strategy.
Abstract:
We herein describe a surgical technique in a mitral valve replacement for a hemodialysis patient presenting with mitral valve stenosis and severe mitral annular calcification. Mitral annular calcification extending to the left ventricular myocardium was resected using a cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator (CUSA) to make a flat plane from the left atrium to the left ventricle. An autologous pericardium was secured to the posterior left ventricular wall and to the left atrial wall covering the mitral annulus for annular reconstruction. In the posterior mitral annulus, the prosthetic valve was fixed onto this pericardial patch. After the operation, the patient recovered well without any embolic complications. The prosthetic valve functions normally without any perivalvular leakage. Decalcification using the CUSA and the annular reconstruction with a pericardial patch is therefore indicated in valve replacement for patients with severe mitral annular calcification.
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