Introduction:
Chronic ischemic mitral regurgitation (MR) has been associated with poor long-term survival. Suboptimal midterm results have been a growing concern in the surgical community. In recent years, our approach to repair those valves has evolved to a standardized technique using complete, rigid and small annuloplasty rings. This study aims to compare this systematic approach with our prior experience from 1996 –2001 where recurrent MR rate was high.
Methods:
129 patients underwent repair for pure ischemic mitral valve regurgitation between 2002 and 2005 at our institution. Of these patients, 99 had clinical and echographic follow-up. These patients were compared to the 1996 –2001 cohort of 73 patients.
Results:
Preoperatively, 84% of patients were in NYHA class III or IV, 17% had moderate MR, 83% had moderate-severe to severe MR. Sixteen were redo operations, mostly of previous CABG. All patients except one were treated with a complete rigid ring (Annuloflo 46.5%, Physioring 34.9%, Etlogix 13.9%, others 3.8%). Ring size was: 24 (0.8%); 26 (55.8%); 28 (38%); or 30 (4.5%). Mortality was 8.5% at 30 days, 14.7% at 1 year and 17.8% at 2 years. Immediate postoperative regurgitation was absent or trace in all patients. Freedom from reoperation was 97%. Mean postoperative NYHA class was 1.15 at a mean follow-up of 28 months. Recurrent moderate mitral regurgitation (2+) was 15.34%, severe mitral regurgitation (3+ to 4+) was 13.4% at a mean follow-up of 16 months. In the 73 patients from the period 1996 –2001 at the same echo follow-up time, the moderate and severe recurrence were: 37% and 21%. The decrease in the recurrence rate was highly significant (p=0.001).
Conclusion:
A more standardized approach to ischemic mitral valve repair has improved the high recurrence rate previously reported by our group. Long-term follow-up is necessary to confirm these findings.
Transurethral Resection Of En-Bloс Muscularis Non - Invasive Bladder Cancer
