Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026

Fully Endoscopic Mitral Valve Repair with Percutaneous Cannulation of Groin Vessels
Published on: May 26, 2023
[Outcome of mitral valve replacement in Iceland]
Sigurdur Ragnarsson1, Martin Ingi Sigurdsson, Ragnar Danielsen
1Department of Cardiothoracic surgery, Landspitali University Hospital, University of Iceland. tomasjud@landspitali.is
Introduction:
Mitral valve replacement (MVR) is the second most common valvular replacement procedure after aortic valve replacement (AVR). Studies on the outcome of MVR in Iceland have been missing. We therefore studied short and long-term results following MVR in Iceland,
Material And Methods:
A retrospective nationwide study on 64 patients (mean age 59 years, 63% males) that underwent 66 MVR procedures in Iceland between 1990-2010. Clinical data was retrieved from patient charts and overall survival estimated. The mean follow-up was 7.4 years.
Results:
Mitral regurgitation or stenosis was the indication for MVR in 71% and 27% of cases, respectively. Nine patients had endocarditis and 8 a recent myocardial infarction. The mean logEuroSCORE was 14.9% (range 1.5-88.4), 83% of the patients were in NYHA class III/IV preoperatively and 24% had previously undergone cardiac surgery. A biological valve was implanted in six cases and a mechanical valve used in 60 cases. Concomitant CABG was performed in 41% of patients and AVR in 20%. Perioperative myocardial infarction (26%), acute respiratory failure (17%), reoperation for bleeding (15%) and acute renal failure requiring dialysis (9%) were the most common major complications. Three patients required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and six patients an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) postoperatively. Minor complications were noted in 61% of cases. Six patients died within 30 days (9%) and five year survival was 69%.
Conclusion:
The frequency of complication following MVR was high and represents the severity of the underlying heart disease. The operative mortality in the current study was in the lower range compared to other studies.
Insights
Mitral valve replacement (MVR) in Iceland showed high complication rates, reflecting severe heart disease. However, operative mortality was comparable to international benchmarks, with a five-year survival of 69%.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Cardiac Valve Surgery
- Thoracic Surgery
Context:
- Mitral valve replacement (MVR) is a critical cardiac procedure.
- Data on MVR outcomes in Iceland were previously unavailable.
- This study addresses the need for local MVR outcome data.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the short- and long-term results of mitral valve replacement in Iceland.
- To analyze complication rates and survival following MVR.
- To compare Icelandic MVR outcomes with international studies.
Summary:
- A retrospective analysis of 66 MVR procedures in 64 Icelandic patients (1990-2010) was conducted.
- High complication rates (9% 30-day mortality, 69% 5-year survival) were observed, linked to patient comorbidities.
- Operative mortality was within the lower range compared to global studies.
Impact:
- Provides crucial data on MVR outcomes in a national cohort.
- Highlights the challenges and successes of MVR in a specific healthcare setting.
- Informs future strategies for managing patients undergoing mitral valve surgery.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management
Mitral Regurgitation III: Medical Management
Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction
Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests
Mitral Valve Prolapse I: Introduction

