[An experience with peeling technique with curettage of open mitral commissurotomy]

Ideally, the mitral valve is a soft, thin and flexible tissue. In severe rheumatic mitral stenosis, however, its motion is restricted due to the adhesion of fibrous tissues and calcium. Open mitral commissurotomy was not effective in successfully restoring it to normal condition. By using a peeling technique with curettage during open mitral commissurotomy, the calcium and fibrous tissues are sufficiently removed. This method is effective in improving the flexibility of the anterior leaflet of the restricted mitral valve.