Intraoperative assessment of functioning mitral valve

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Cardiac Anesthesia
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Assessing mitral valve function during surgery is crucial for successful repair.
• Current methods may require stopping the heart, limiting real-time evaluation.
• Minimizing risks like air embolism is paramount in cardiac procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel technique for intraoperative mitral valve assessment.
• To enable functional evaluation with the heart beating and perfused.
• To enhance the safety and efficacy of mitral valve repair surgeries.

Main Methods:

• Development and application of a technique for intraoperative mitral valve assessment.
• Ensuring steady coronary artery perfusion during the assessment.
• Integration with warm blood cardioplegia for repeated evaluations.

Main Results:

• The technique allows functional assessment of the mitral valve while the heart is actively beating.
• Steady coronary perfusion is maintained throughout the procedure.
• The risk of air embolism in the coronary arteries is avoided.

Conclusions:

• This technique facilitates repeated intraoperative assessment and repair of the mitral valve.
• It enhances the safety profile of mitral valve reparative operations.
• Combining the technique with warm blood cardioplegia optimizes surgical outcomes.