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Posterior pericardial annuloplasty: a physicological correction?
M Salati1, R Scrofani, C Santoli
1Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Luigi Sacco Hospital, Milan, Italy.
Summary
This study introduces a novel posterior pericardial annuloplasty technique for mitral valve repair. The method effectively preserves mitral annular motion, demonstrating promising results for degenerative mitral valve disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Mitral annuloplasty aims to restore mitral annular dynamics.
- Existing annuloplasty rings often lack flexibility, hindering physiological motion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a new flexible annuloplasty ring constructed from autologous pericardium.
- To assess the impact of posterior pericardial annuloplasty on mitral annular motion and valve function.
Main Methods:
- A posterior pericardial annuloplasty was performed on 20 patients with degenerative mitral valve disease.
- Autologous pericardium was fashioned into a tubular ring and secured to the posterior annulus.
- Valve function and annular motion were assessed using Doppler echocardiography and fluoroscopy.
Main Results:
- No early or late reoperations were required in any patient.
- Doppler analysis revealed good valve function with no or mild regurgitation in 18 patients and moderate in 2.
- Fluoroscopic assessment showed preserved annular motion with mild systolic narrowing (8.5%).
Conclusions:
- Posterior pericardial annuloplasty effectively preserves mitral annular flexibility and physiological motion.
- This technique offers a physiological correction for annular dilatation in degenerative mitral valve disease.