Intermediate-term outcomes of our original multiple-knot technique using ePTFE sutures for anterior mitral leaflet...

To define the outcomes of our original simple chordal replacement technique using ePTFE sutures for mitral regurgitation.

Between January, 2004 and March, 2014, 38 patients underwent mitral valve repair using our chordal replacement technique for anterior leaflet prolapse. The mitral regurgitation was caused by degenerative disease in 34 patients and infective endocarditis in 4 patients.

The follow-up period was 66 ± 37 months and the 5-year survival rate was 95 ± 4%. Two patients had recurrent mitral regurgitation, caused by degenerative change not associated with the procedure. The 5-year rate of freedom from recurrent mitral regurgitation was 94 ± 4%. In the late postoperative period, 15 (42%) patients had a mean pressure gradient > 5 mmHg. Stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that the use of a full ring (odds ratio 8.9; 95% confidence interval 1.2-64; p = 0.031) and a 26 mm annuloplasty (odds ratio 7.5; 95% confidence interval 1.1-50; p = 0.037) were significant independent risk factors for a mean pressure gradient > 5 mmHg.

The intermediate-term outcomes of our original chordal replacement technique were not inferior to those in previous reports, although a 26 mm annuloplasty was found to be associated with a higher mitral valve gradient at rest.