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Updated: Jul 29, 2026

Standardized Technique of Aortic Valve Re-implantation for Valve-sparing Aortic Root Replacement
Published on: December 11, 2017
Outcomes of mitral valve replacement with complete annular decalcification
Ryosuke Numaguchi1, Jun Takaki1, Kosaku Nishigawa1
1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Kumamoto University Hospital, Kumamoto, Japan.
This study shows that mitral valve replacement (MVR) with extensive decalcification and reconstruction is safe for severe mitral annular calcification (MAC). Postoperative afterload reduction with an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) helps prevent complications.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Cardiac Surgery Outcomes
- Valvular Heart Disease
Background:
- Severe mitral annular calcification (MAC) presents significant challenges for mitral valve replacement (MVR).
- Extensive decalcification and mitral annular reconstruction are often necessary for these complex cases.
- Assessing clinical outcomes in high-risk patients undergoing MVR for severe MAC is crucial.
Approach:
- A retrospective review of 15 patients with severe MAC undergoing MVR between January 2016 and May 2022.
- Complete resection of calcified mitral annulus using Cavitron Ultrasound Surgical Aspirator (CUSA).
- Mitral annular reconstruction with bovine pericardium and postoperative intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) support.
Key Points:
- The mean patient age was 73 years, with 86.7% being women.
- Concomitant procedures included aortic valve replacement (73.3%) and tricuspid annuloplasty (60%).
- No in-hospital deaths or MAC-related complications occurred; no paravalvular leakages were detected postoperatively.
Conclusions:
- The described surgical strategy is safe and reproducible for managing severe MAC, even in high-risk patients.
- Postoperative afterload reduction with IABP may mitigate fatal complications following extensive decalcification and reconstruction.
- This approach offers a viable solution for complex mitral valve disease associated with severe MAC.
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Mitral Valve Prolapse I: Introduction
Mitral Valve Prolapse II: Assessment and Management
Mitral Regurgitation III: Medical Management
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Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests
Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management

