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Related Concept Videos

Mitral Valve Prolapse I: Introduction01:27

Mitral Valve Prolapse I: Introduction

IntroductionThe mitral valve, one of the heart's four valves, regulates blood flow. These valves have flaps that open and close to direct blood properly through the heart and body. During each heartbeat, the flaps open for blood to pass through and seal shut to prevent backflow. Specifically, the mitral valve opens to allow blood flow from the heart's upper left chamber to the lower left chamber. It then closes securely as the lower left chamber contracts to pump blood to the body, preventing...
Mitral Valve Prolapse II: Assessment and Management01:22

Mitral Valve Prolapse II: Assessment and Management

IntroductionA range of clinical features characterizes Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP), but it is important to note that many individuals with MVP are asymptomatic and may remain so throughout their lives. For those who do exhibit symptoms, the following are the key clinical features:Palpitations: This is a common symptom where individuals feel an irregular or rapid heartbeat. Palpitations in MVP are often due to arrhythmias such as premature ventricular contractions or supraventricular tachycardia.
Mitral Regurgitation III: Medical Management01:25

Mitral Regurgitation III: Medical Management

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is characterized by retrograde blood circulation from the left ventricle into the left atrium due to inadequate mitral valve closure. The severity of the condition, symptoms, and underlying cause determine treatment strategies.Monitoring and Pharmacological TreatmentPatients with mild to moderate MR typically do not need immediate intervention but regular monitoring to assess progression and guide treatment. Patients with mild MR should have an echocardiogram every 3-5...
Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction01:22

Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction

Mitral Valve Stenosis (MVS) is a heart condition where the mitral valve narrows, impeding blood circulation from the left atrium to the left ventricle. The etiology and pathophysiology of this condition are multifaceted, leading to a cascade of cardiovascular complications.Causes of Mitral Valve StenosisRheumatic Heart Disease: It is the main cause of mitral valve stenosis, particularly in developing nations. This condition arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory illness resulting from...
Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management01:26

Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management

Mitral stenosis, a condition marked by the narrowing of the mitral valve, necessitates an integrated approach for effective management. This approach includes preventative measures, medical therapy, and surgical interventions to reduce symptoms and prevent complications.PreventionPrevention of mitral stenosis primarily focuses on reducing the incidence of bacterial infections, particularly streptococcal infections, which can lead to rheumatic fever and subsequent valvular damage. Timely...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 2, 2026

Standardized Technique of Aortic Valve Re-implantation for Valve-sparing Aortic Root Replacement
14:14

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Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery Using the FlexCrown Retractor: A Safe and Effective New Self-Expandable Left

Sara Volpi1, Joy Eldin1, Bonnie Kyle2

  • 1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Barts Heart Centre, London, UK.

Innovations (Philadelphia, Pa.)
|June 14, 2025
PubMed
Summary

The FlexCrown retractor offers safe and effective mitral valve visualization during minimally invasive surgery. This self-expanding device provides excellent exposure and fast deployment, proving a valuable alternative to traditional retractors.

Keywords:
FlexCrownatrial retractorminimally invasive mitral valve surgerymitral retractorself-expandable atrial retractor

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Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Minimally Invasive Cardiac Procedures
  • Surgical Instrumentation

Background:

  • Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS) requires optimal visualization for accurate valve assessment.
  • Conventional left atrial retractors can be time-consuming and may lead to complications like bleeding.
  • There is a need for improved retraction devices in MIMVS.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the FlexCrown™ self-expandable left atrial retractor.
  • To assess the performance of the FlexCrown retractor during MIMVS procedures.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 245 patients undergoing MIMVS.
  • Utilized the FlexCrown retractor via a right minianterolateral thoracotomy.
  • Data collected from January 2017 to July 2022 across two mitral specialist centers.

Main Results:

  • The FlexCrown retractor demonstrated no instances of tissue damage, dislodgement, or migration.
  • Postoperative echocardiograms showed no or trivial mitral regurgitation in 90% of patients.
  • The device was successfully used in both mitral valve repair (125 patients) and replacement (120 patients).

Conclusions:

  • The FlexCrown retractor provides excellent and safe mitral valve exposure during MIMVS.
  • Fast deployment and removal characterize the FlexCrown retractor's performance.
  • This innovative retractor serves as a beneficial alternative to conventional left atrial retractors in MIMVS.