Prophylactic LVAD Enabling High-Risk Mitral Repair-Extending Beyond the Guidelines

Both surgical and percutaneous mitral repair remain contraindicated in patients with severe degenerative mitral regurgitation (DMR) with severe left ventricular (LV) dysfunction because of inadequate LV reserve and increased LV work with a competent mitral valve. We report a 55-year-old gentleman who presented in cardiogenic shock with missed severe DMR and severe LV dysfunction, in whom we performed a high-risk mitral repair and insertion of a prophylactic CentriMag LV assist device. This innovative approach was found to be successful with significant patient improvement in both LV function and clinical symptoms with a competent mitral valve.