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Updated: Mar 8, 2026

A Simplified Stepwise Approach to Echo Guidance during Percutaneous Mitral Valve Repair
Published on: October 16, 2021
A systematic review and meta-analysis of chordal replacement versus leaflet resection for isolated posterior mitral
Christos G Mihos1, Evin Yucel2, Orlando Santana3
1Cardiac Ultrasound Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA - cmihos@mgh.harvard.edu.
Introduction:
Chordal replacement (Chord MVr) for isolated posterior mitral valve prolapse allows for preservation of the native mitral valve apparatus. The potential benefits of this approach, as compared with leaflet resection (Resection), are not clearly defined.
Evidence Acquisition:
A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted on operative, clinical, and echocardiographic outcomes. Risk ratios (RR) were calculated by the Mantel-Haenszel method under a fixed or random effects model, as appropriate.
Evidence Synthesis:
Eight studies were included, with a total of 1922 patients (Chord MVr, N.=835; Resection, N.=1087). Baseline characteristics were similar, except for a higher incidence of atrial fibrillation in the Chord MVr group (15.5% versus 9.9%, P=0.03), and a slightly greater mitral regurgitation grade in the Resection group (3.5 versus 3.4, P=0.008). P2 segment prolapse was the most common pathology, however, patients undergoing Chord MVr had a higher incidence of multi-segment prolapse (32.1% versus 13.9%, P=0.0006). There was no difference in operative mortality (1.1% for both) or perioperative complications. At a mean follow-up of 2.9±2.8 years (median=2.8 years, IQR 1.6-4.4), Chord MVr was associated with a lower risk of reoperation (1.1% versus 4.3%; RR 0.26, 95% CI 0.12-0.56, P=0.0007), and similar survival and recurrence of moderate mitral regurgitation, when compared with Resection. Finally, a lower transmitral gradient (2.5 versus 2.8 mmHg, P=0.0004) and larger orifice area (3.2 versus 3.0 cm2, P=0.002) were observed with Chord MVr.
Conclusions:
At 2.9-year follow-up, Chord MVr for isolated posterior mitral valve prolapse was associated with a lower reoperation rate and favorable valve hemodynamics, when compared with leaflet resection.
Insights
Chordal replacement (Chord MVr) for posterior mitral valve prolapse reduces reoperation rates and improves valve function compared to leaflet resection. This approach preserves the native valve apparatus, offering better long-term outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Cardiac Surgery
- Mitral Valve Repair
Background:
- Mitral valve prolapse requires surgical intervention.
- Chordal replacement (Chord MVr) preserves native mitral valve apparatus.
- Leaflet resection is an alternative surgical approach.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare chordal replacement versus leaflet resection for isolated posterior mitral valve prolapse.
- To evaluate operative, clinical, and echocardiographic outcomes.
- To define the benefits of Chord MVr compared to leaflet resection.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of eight studies.
- Inclusion of 1922 patients (835 Chord MVr, 1087 Resection).
- Calculation of risk ratios (RR) using Mantel-Haenszel method.
Main Results:
- Chord MVr showed a lower reoperation rate (1.1% vs 4.3%) at 2.9-year follow-up.
- Similar survival and recurrence of moderate mitral regurgitation were observed.
- Chord MVr resulted in a lower transmitral gradient and larger orifice area.
Conclusions:
- Chord MVr is associated with reduced reoperation rates for posterior mitral valve prolapse.
- Favorable valve hemodynamics were observed with Chord MVr.
- Chord MVr offers a viable alternative to leaflet resection, preserving native valve function.
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