Subannular reconstruction in secondary mitral regurgitation: a meta-analysis

2023 Korean Society of Echocardiography position paper for the diagnosis and management of valvular heart disease, part II: mitral and tricuspid valve disease

This manuscript represents the official position of the Korean Society of Echocardiography on valvular heart diseases. This position paper focuses on the diagnosis and management of valvular heart diseases with referring to the guidelines recently published by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association and the European Society of Cardiology. The committee sought to reflect national data on the topic of valvular heart diseases published to date through a systematic literature search based on validity and relevance. In the part II of this article, we intend to present recommendations for diagnosis and treatment of mitral valve disease and tricuspid valve disease.

Moving from left ventricular ejection fraction to deformation imaging in mitral valve regurgitation

The increasing prevalence of valvular heart diseases, specifically mitral regurgitation (MR), underscores the need for a careful and timely approach to intervention. Severe MR, whether primary or secondary, when left untreated leads to adverse outcomes, emphasizing the critical role of a timely surgical or transcatheter intervention. While left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) remains the guideline-recommended measure for assessing left ventricle damage, emerging evidence raises concerns regarding its reliability in MR due to its volume-dependent nature. This review summarizes the existing literature on the role of LVEF and deformation imaging techniques, emphasizing the latter's potential in providing a more accurate evaluation of intrinsic myocardial function. Moreover, it advocates the need for an integrated approach that combines traditional with emerging measures, aiming to optimize the management of patients with MR. It attempts to highlight the need for future research to validate the clinical application of deformation imaging techniques through large-scale studies.

Concomitant interventions in mitral valve surgery - A European perspective

INTRODUCTION

In recent years, major findings on concomitant procedures and anticoagulation management have occurred in Mitral Valve (MV) surgery. Therefore, we sought to evaluate the current practices in MV interventions across Europe.

METHODS

In October 2021, all national cardio-thoracic societies in the European region were identified following an electronic search and sent an online survey of 14 questions to distribute among their member consultant/attending cardiac surgeons.

RESULTS

The survey was completed by 91 consultant/attending cardiac surgeons across 12 European countries, with 78% indicating MV repair as their specialty area. 57.1% performed >150 operations/year and 71.4% had 10+ years of experience.Concomitant tricuspid valve repair is performed for moderate tricuspid regurgitation (TR) by 69% of surgeons and for mild TR by 26.3%, both with annular diameter >40 mm. 50.6% indicated ischaemic MV surgery in patients undergoing CABG if moderate mitral regurgitation with ERO >20 mm2 and regurgitant volume >30 mL, and 45.1% perform it if severe MR with ERO >40 mm2 and regurgitant volume >60 mL. For these patients the preferred management was: MVR if predictors of repair failure identified (47.2%) and downsizing annuloplasty ring only (34.1%).For atrial fibrillation (AF) in cardiac surgery, 34.1% perform ablation with biatrial lesion and 20% with left sided only. 62.6% perform concomitant Left Atrial Appendage (LAA) Occlusion irrespective of AF ablation with a left atrial clip. A wide variability in anticoagulation strategies for MV repair and bioprosthetic MV valve was reported both for patients in sinus rhythm and AF.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate a variable practice for MV surgery, and a degree of lack of compliance with surgical intervention guidelines and anticoagulation strategy.

Subannular repair in secondary mitral regurgitation with restricted leaflet motion during systole

OBJECTIVE

Ventricular secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR) (Carpentier type IIIb) results from left ventricular (LV) remodelling, displacement of papillary muscles and tethering of mitral leaflets. The most appropriate treatment approach remains controversial. We aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of standardised relocation of both papillary muscles (subannular repair) at 1-year follow-up (FU).

METHODS

REFORM-MR (Reform-Mitral Regurgitation) is a prospective, multicentre registry that enrolled consecutive patients with ventricular SMR (Carpentier type IIIb) undergoing standardised subannular mitral valve (MV) repair in combination with annuloplasty at five sites in Germany. Here, we report survival, freedom from recurrence of MR >2+, freedom from major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs), including cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, MV reintervention and echocardiographic parameters of residual leaflet tethering at 1-year FU.

RESULTS

A total of 94 patients (69.1% male) with a mean age of 65.1±9.7 years met the inclusion criteria. Advanced LV dysfunction (mean left ventricular ejection fraction 36.4±10.5%) and severe LV dilatation (mean left ventricular end-diastolic diameter 61.0±9.3 mm) resulted in severe mitral leaflet tethering (mean tenting height 10.6±3.0 mm) and an elevated mean EURO Score II of 4.8±4.6 prior to surgery. Subannular repair was successfully performed in all patients, without operative mortality or complications. One-year survival was 95.5%. At 12 months, a durable reduction of mitral leaflet tethering resulted in a low rate (4.2%) of recurrent MR >2+. In addition to a significant improvement in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class (22.4% patients in NYHA III/IV vs 64.5% patients at baseline, p<0.001), freedom from MACCE was observed in 91.1% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates the safety and feasibility of standardised subannular repair to treat ventricular SMR (Carpentier type IIIb) in a multicentre setting. By addressing mitral leaflet tethering, papillary muscle relocation results in very satisfactory 1-year outcomes and has the potential to durably restore MV geometry; nevertheless, long-term FU is mandatory.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03470155.

Subannular repair for functional mitral regurgitation with reduced systolic ventricle function: rationale and design of REFORM-MR registry

BACKGROUND

Functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) is one of the most common heart valve diseases that is a sequel of left ventricular remodelling. Although mitral valve annuloplasty is a standard treatment of FMR, the recurrence of FMR is a major drawback and occurs in 10-50% of patients. The REFORM-MR registry aims to investigate the effectiveness of standardized papillary muscle relocation and ring annuloplasty and to identify the risk factors associated with recurrent FMR.

METHODS

REFORM-MR is a prospective, multicenter registry that enrols consecutive FMR patients across five sites in Germany. All patients with FMR and restricted movement of leaflets during systole (i.e., type IIIb mitral regurgitation) undergoing standardized subannular repair in combination with mitral valve annuloplasty are included in the study. The primary objective is to examine the effect of combined papillary muscle relocation and ring annuloplasty on the recurrence of FMR at 2 years postoperatively. The secondary objectives are MACCE rate, reinterventions on the mitral valve and cardiac-related mortality in the study cohort. Echocardiography core-lab and MRI core-lab will provide anonymized analysis of the imaging data in the REFORM-MR registry. Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables and the Chi-Square or Fisher exact test for categorical variables are used for group comparisons. Kaplan-Meier analyses is performed for survival and safety outcomes.

RESULTS

As of May 2021, a total of 97 patients were enrolled across five sites in Germany.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study will help define the outcomes of combined papillary muscle relocation and ring annuloplasty in the FMR treatment in a multicentre setting and to improve the understanding of the limitations of subannular repair procedures while treating patients with type III FMR. Trial registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT03470155.

Early Outcomes of Endoscopic Papillary Muscle Relocation for Secondary Mitral Regurgitation Type IIIb in Patients With Severe Left Ventricular Dysfunction

Objective: Subannular mitral valve (MV) repair techniques have been developed to address increased rates of recurrent mitral regurgitation (MR) in patients with secondary MR (SMR) type IIIb. Endoscopic papillary muscle relocation (PMR) is feasible via minithoracotomy. Nevertheless, the periprocedural outcome of patients with severe left ventricular (LV) dysfunction remains unknown. Methods: A total of 98 consecutive patients with SMR type IIIb underwent PMR at our institution. Due to concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting, 62 patients underwent sternotomy and were excluded from the current analysis, whereas 36 patients were treated by a minimally invasive technique using 3-dimensional endoscopy. Of these, 18 patients had severely depressed LV ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35% (study group) and were compared to the remaining 18 patients with LVEF >35% (control group). Periprocedural outcome was retrospectively analyzed. Results: Although LVEF was significantly worse in the study group (30% ± 4% vs 43% ± 6%, P < 0.001), the severity of SMR and the degree of MV leaflet tethering were similar. The prevalence of concomitant procedures and the duration of surgery, cardiopulmonary bypass, and aortic cross-clamp were comparable. Periprocedural low cardiac output syndrome was favorably low in both groups (16.7% vs 5.6%, P = 0.29). Postoperative ventilation time (5.7 h [4.2 to 8.7 h] vs 6.0 h [4.6 to 9.8 h], P = 0.43) and duration of intensive care unit stay (2 days [1 to 3 days] vs 2 days [1 to 3 days], P = 0.22) were similar. There was no 30-day mortality in either group. Conclusions: Standardized endoscopic PMR resulted in favorable periprocedural outcomes in patients with severe LV dysfunction, suggesting that minimally invasive surgery can safely be extended to this patient population.

Surgical mitral valve repair technique considerations based on the available evidence

Mitral valve regurgitation is the second most common valve disease in the western world. Surgery is currently the best tool for generating a long-lasting elimination of mitral valve regurgitation. However, the mitral valve apparatus is a complex anatomical and functional structure, and repair results and durability show substantial heterogeneity. This is not only due to differences in the underlying mitral valve regurgitation pathophysiology but also due to differences in repair techniques. Repair philosophies differ substantially from one surgeon to the other, and consensus for the technically best repair strategy has not been reached yet. We had previously addressed this topic by suggesting that ring sizing is "voodoo". We now review the available evidence regarding the various repair techniques described for structural and functional mitral valve regurgitation. Herein, we illustrate that for structural mitral valve regurgitation, resuspension of prolapsing valve segments or torn chordae with polytetrafluoroethylene sutures and annuloplasty can generate the most durable results paired with the best achievable hemodynamics. For functional mitral valve regurgitation, the evidence suggests that annuloplasty alone is insufficient in most cases to generate durable results, and additional subvalvular strategies are associated with improved durability and possibly improved clinical outcomes. This review addresses current strategies but also implausibilities in mitral valve repair and informs the mitral valve surgeon about the current evidence. We believe that this information may help improve outcomes in mitral valve repair as the heterogeneity of mitral valve regurgitation pathophysiology does not allow a one-size-fits-all concept.

Subannular repair for functional mitral regurgitation type IIIb in patients with ischaemic versus dilated cardiomyopathy

OBJECTIVES

Functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) is a sequel of left ventricular (LV) remodelling in heart failure patients. Relocation of both papillary muscles aims to specifically address mitral leaflet tethering to improve long-term durability of modern FMR repair. Nevertheless, the prognostic impact of the underlying cardiomyopathy on the outcome after FMR repair is unknown.

METHODS

We analysed 84 consecutive heart failure patients with severe FMR, LV ejection fraction <40%, LV end-diastolic diameter ≥55 mm and tenting height >10 mm, who underwent ring annuloplasty and simultaneous bilateral papillary muscles relocation between June 2016 and March 2019. One-year outcome of 54 patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy ('ICM group') was prospectively compared to the remaining 30 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy ('DCM group').

RESULTS

One-year survival was similar in both groups (96% in the 'ICM group' vs 97% in the 'DCM group'; P = 0.93). Furthermore, primary composite outcome (i.e. freedom from death or mitral regurgitation ≥ 2) at 1-year postoperatively was comparable between the study groups (94%in the 'ICM group' vs 87% in the 'DCM group'; P = 0.10). LV end-diastolic diameter 1-year after surgery was significantly reduced, as compared to preoperative values, in the 'DCM group' (P = 0.018), but not in the 'ICM group' (P = 0.058). Improvement of New York Heart Association functional class and reduction of serum levels of N-terminal pro-B natriuretic peptide at 1 year was comparable in both study groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Standardized relocation of both papillary muscles to correct FMR resulted in very satisfactory in-hospital and 1-year outcomes, in both ICM and DCM. DCM patients showed similar improvement in heart failure symptoms and LV re-remodelling compared to ICM patients. Subannular repair is developing towards a valid therapeutic option in heart failure patients presenting with severe FMR.

The role of transcatheter mitral valve leaflet approximation for the treatment of secondary mitral regurgitation: current status and future prospects

Introduction: Secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR) is one of the most common valvulopathies and is associated with poor prognosis. Over the past years, medical management and mitral valve repair options have rapidly evolved offering new opportunities for a wide range of patients.Areas covered: We provide an up-to-date review of the value of medical and transcatheter mitral valve leaflet approximation for SMR integrating the results of most recent trials and putting their findings into clinical perspective.Expert opinion: Treatment of SMR requires a multidisciplinary approach with a long-term perspective. After optimization of medical treatment, transcatheter mitral valve repair should be considered in patients with persisting symptomatic severe SMR to improve symptoms and prognosis.

The management of secondary mitral regurgitation in patients with heart failure: a joint position statement from the Heart Failure Association (HFA), European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI), European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA), and European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI) of the ESC

Secondary (or functional) mitral regurgitation (SMR) occurs frequently in chronic heart failure (HF) with reduced left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction, resulting from LV remodelling that prevents coaptation of the valve leaflets. Secondary mitral regurgitation contributes to progression of the symptoms and signs of HF and confers worse prognosis. The management of HF patients with SMR is complex and requires timely referral to a multidisciplinary Heart Team. Optimization of pharmacological and device therapy according to guideline recommendations is crucial. Further management requires careful clinical and imaging assessment, addressing the anatomical and functional features of the mitral valve and left ventricle, overall HF status, and relevant comorbidities. Evidence concerning surgical correction of SMR is sparse and it is doubtful whether this approach improves prognosis. Transcatheter repair has emerged as a promising alternative, but the conflicting results of current randomized trials require careful interpretation. This collaborative position statement, developed by four key associations of the European Society of Cardiology-the Heart Failure Association (HFA), European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI), European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI), and European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA)-presents an updated practical approach to the evaluation and management of patients with HF and SMR based upon a Heart Team approach.

Left Ventricular Thinning and Distension in Pig Hearts as a Reproducible Ex Vivo Model of Functional Mitral Regurgitation

Functional mitral regurgitation in the setting of an enlarged heart is challenging to repair surgically with an annular approach, and the need to develop subannular and ventricular approaches is recognized yet unrealized because of the lack of models for investigations. In this study, we report a novel model of functional mitral regurgitation induced by left ventricular thinning and distension in pig hearts. Seven pig hearts were explanted at a local slaughterhouse, and left ventricular distension induced by thinning the ventricular myocardium by 60-65% of its original thickness. Distension of the thinned hearts with a 120 mmHg column confirmed significant left ventricular dilatation and mitral valve tethering. These hearts were then mounted into a pulsatile flow model and animated at 120 mmHg left ventricular pressure, 5 L/min cardiac output at 70 beats/min. Echocardiography was used to assess valvular kinematics and hemodynamics. Left ventricular wall thickness reduced by 60.5% ± 10.1% at the basal plane, 64.8% ± 11.3% at the equatorial plane, and 64.0% ± 11.4% at the apical plane after thinning. Upon distension, ventricular volumes increased by 852.4% ± 639.8% after left ventricular thinning, with an 89.5% ± 33.9% increase in sphericity index. Mitral valve systolic tenting height increased from 7.92 ± 2.06 to 15.02 ± 3.89 mm, systolic tethering area increased from 130.7 ± 38.2 to 409.9 ± 124.6 mm and an average mitral regurgitation fraction of 24.4% ± 16.6% was measured. In a case study, use of multimodality imaging to test the efficacy of transcatheter mitral devices was confirmed. Ventricular wall thinning leading to passive left ventricular distension and dilatation is a reproducible ex vivo model of mitral valve tethering and functional mitral regurgitation, which in combination with multimodality imaging provides a good simulation model.

Repair or Replacement for Secondary Mitral Regurgitation: Results From Polish National Registry

BACKGROUND

The optimal surgical strategy (repair vs replacement) for patients with secondary mitral (MV) regurgitation is questionable.

METHODS

Patients who underwent MV repair or replacement for functional or ischemic mitral regurgitation between 2006 and 2017 were identified in Polish National Registry of Cardiac Surgery Procedures. Patients, who underwent additional procedures other than coronary artery bypass grafting or tricuspid valve surgery, as well as redo or emergency cases, were excluded. The long-term survival was verified based on National Health Fund registry. The survival was compared between MV repair and replacement both in the whole cohort and after propensity score matching. The Cox regression was used to seek for independent predictors of survival.

RESULTS

Of 7633 identified patients, 1793 (23%) underwent MV replacement and 5840 (77%) underwent MV repair. Coronary artery bypass surgery was performed together with MV repair in 3992 (69%) patients and together with MV replacement in 915 (52%) patients (P < .001). Tricuspid valve surgery was added to 1393 (24%) MV repairs and to 561 (32%) MV replacements (P < .001). The crude actuarial 5-year survival was 71% (95% confidence interval [CI], 70%-72%) in the repair group and 66% (95% CI, 63%-68%) in the replacement group (P < .001). MV replacement was an independent predictor of mortality (hazard ratio, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.17-1.49) (P < .001) in Cox regression modeling. In the propensity-matched cohort (1105 pairs), the long-term mortality was also significantly higher in the replacement group (hazard ratio, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.06-1.45; P = .008).

CONCLUSIONS

Repair of secondary mitral regurgitation has an associated survival benefit compared with MV replacement.

Predicting clinical outcome by indexed mitral valve tenting in functional mitral valve regurgitation

OBJECTIVES

Mitral valve (MV) tenting parameters are indicators of left ventricular remodelling severity and may predict outcome in functional mitral regurgitation (FMR). We hypothesised that indexing of MV tenting area to body surface area (BSA), to mitral annulus diameter or gender-adjusted analysis of tenting parameters may improve their prognostic value.

METHODS

We identified retrospectively 240 patients with consecutive FMR (mean age 68±10 years; men=135) from our institutional database who underwent isolated MV annuloplasty during a period of 7 years (2010-2016). Using preoperative two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiographic images, MV tenting parameters including tenting area, tenting height and annulus diameter were systematically assessed. Follow-up protocol consisted of chart review and structured clinical questionnaire. Primary study endpoint was the composite of death and adverse cardiac events (ie, MV reoperation, cardiac resynchronisation therapy implantation, ventricular assist device implantation or heart transplantation).

RESULTS

BSA-indexed MV tenting area was identified as independent predictor of primary study endpoint (HR 1.9; 95% CI 1.1 to 3.5; p=0.02). After cut-off point analysis, BSA-indexed MV tenting area >1.35 cm²/m² was significantly associated with primary study outcome (HR 2.3; 95% CI 1.3 to 4.0; p=0.003). Annulus-indexed MV tenting area showed only a tendency towards primary study endpoint prediction (HR 2.8; 95% CI 0.6 to 12.6; p=0.17). Between female and male patients, BSA-indexed MV tenting area was similar (1.42±0.4 cm²/m² vs 1.45±0.4cm²/cm²; p=0.6) and gender was not associated with primary study outcome (HR 0.8; 95% CI 0.5 to 1.4; p=0.5).

CONCLUSION

In our FMR cohort, BSA-indexed MV tenting area showed the strongest association with negative outcomes following isolated MV annuloplasty. Patients with BSA-indexed MV tenting area >1.35cm²/m² could potentially benefit from additional surgical maneuvers addressing left ventricular remodelling.

Standardized subannular repair for type IIIb functional mitral regurgitation in a minimally invasive mitral valve surgery setting†

OBJECTIVES

Subannular repair techniques in addition to undersized ring annuloplasty have been developed to address high mitral regurgitation (MR) recurrence rates after mitral valve repair in type IIIb MR. We compared the results of annuloplasty with simultaneous standardized subannular repair versus isolated annuloplasty, focusing on the periprocedural outcomes of minimally invasive procedures.

METHODS

A consecutive series of 108 patients with type IIIb functional MR with severe signs of bileaflet tethering underwent an annuloplasty + subannular repair (group A; n = 60) versus isolated annuloplasty (group B; n = 48). The primary end point of this prospective, parallel cohort study was death or recurrent MR >2, 1 year postoperatively. The secondary end points were survival and clinical outcomes, with special regard for the minimally invasively treated subgroups.

RESULTS

Duration of surgery, cardiopulmonary bypass time and aortic cross-clamp time were comparable between both study groups. Procedural outcomes as well as echocardiographic outcome parameters were similar and independent of access (fully endoscopic versus full sternotomy). At the 12-month follow-up, death or MR >2 occurred in 3.3% (2/60) of patients in group A vs in 20.8% (10/48) of patients in group B (P = 0.037). The overall mortality rate during the follow-up period was 1.7% (1/60) in group A vs 12.5% (6/48) in group B (P = 0.041).

CONCLUSIONS

Standardized realignment of papillary muscles is feasible and reproducible via a minimally invasive approach, resulting in excellent periprocedural outcomes, and has a clear potential to significantly decrease MR recurrence and improve 1-year outcomes compared to isolated annuloplasty.

Minimally invasive mitral valve repair for functional mitral regurgitation

Systolic heart failure is frequently accompanied by a relevant functional mitral valve regurgitation (FMR) which develops as a direct sequela of the ongoing left ventricular remodelling. The severity of mitral regurgitation is further aggravated by progressive left ventricular enlargement causing leaflet tethering and reduced systolic leaflet movement. The prognosis of such patients is obviously limited by an underlying left ventricular disease, and the correction of secondary FMR has been previously suggested as predominantly ‘cosmetic’ surgery in the setting of ongoing cardiomyopathy. Inferior results of an isolated annuloplasty in type IIIb FMR supported the philosophy of malignant course of progressive cardiomyopathy and resulted in increasingly restricted indications for mitral valve surgery for FMR in the guidelines. The lack of a standardized pathophysiological approach to correct type IIIb FMR led to the development of valve replacement strategy and edge-to-edge catheter-based mitral valve procedures, which became the most frequent procedures in the FMR setting in Europe. Modern mitral valve surgery combines the advantages of 3-dimensional endoscopic minimally invasive surgical approach with standardized subannular repair to address the pathophysiological background of type IIIb FMR. The perioperative results have been significantly improved, and there is a growing evidence of improved long-term stability of subannular repair procedures as compared to isolated annuloplasty. This review article aims to present the current state-of-the-art of the modern mitral valve surgery in FMR and provides suggestions for future trials analysing the potential advantages in these patients.

Left ventricular reverse remodeling after successful subannular mitral valve repair in end-stage heart failure: a case report

Background

Due to ongoing left ventricular (LV) remodeling and consecutive geometric displacement of both papillary muscles, end-stage heart failure is frequently associated with relevant functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) Type IIIb. Treatment strategies of FMR and their prognostic impact are still controversial.

Case summary

We present a case of an 80-year-old patient who suffered from recurrent symptoms of congestive heart failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy and concomitant severe FMR. To specifically address severe tethering of both mitral leaflets heart team decision was to perform minimally invasive mitral valve repair (MVR) including a subannular LV remodeling procedure, instead of an interventional edge-to-edge repair (MitraClip^® procedure). In addition to mitral valve ring annuloplasty, standardized relocation of both papillary muscles was performed successfully, leading to a complete resolution of mitral leaflet tethering. There were no procedural complications and the patient was discharged with an excellent functional result without residual mitral regurgitation. Furthermore, after 12 and 24 months, he reported an increase of his functional exercise capacity and a remarkable reverse LV remodeling could be demonstrated.

Discussion

Novel subannular repair techniques, especially the relocation of both papillary muscles, specifically address severe leaflet tethering in FMR and have an obvious potential to improve long-term competence of MVR. Therefore, they could be considered as a viable therapeutic option even in elderly patients presenting with end-stage cardiomyopathy and severe leaflet tenting.

Treatment options for ischemic mitral regurgitation: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Treatment of ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) is in evolution, as percutaneous procedures and complex surgical repair have been recently investigated in randomized clinical trials and matched studies. This study aims to review and compare the current treatment options for IMR.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted using electronic databases. The primary outcome was all-cause long-term mortality. The secondary outcomes were perioperative mortality, unplanned rehospitalization, reoperation, and composite end points as defined in the original articles.

RESULTS

A total of 12 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final meta-analysis. The MitraClip procedure did not confer a significant benefit in mortality and repeated hospitalization compared with medical therapy alone. In patients with moderate IMR, the adjunct of mitral procedure over coronary artery bypass graft is not associated with clinical improvements. When evaluating mitral valve (MV) replacement versus repair, hospital mortality was greater among patients undergoing replacement (odds ratio [OR], 1.91; P = .009), but both reoperation and readmission rates were lower (OR, 0.60, P = .05; and OR, 0.45, P < .02, respectively). Comparing restrictive annuloplasty alone with adjunctive subvalvular repair, subvalvular procedures resulted in fewer readmissions (OR, 0.50; P = .06) and adverse composite end points (P = .009).

CONCLUSIONS

MitraClip procedure is not associated with improved outcomes compared with medical therapy. MV replacement is associated with increased early mortality but reduced reoperation rate and readmission rate compared with MV repair using annuloplasty in moderate-to-severe IMR. Despite no significant benefit in isolated outcomes comparing annular and adjunct subvalvular procedures, the adjunct of subvalvular procedures reduces the risk of major postoperative adverse events.

Chirurgie bei funktioneller Mitralklappeninsuffizienz

Hintergrund

Neue Studien haben in den letzten Jahren wesentlich zum Verständnis der Behandlung der funktionellen Mitralklappeninsuffizienz (FMR) beigetragen. Dabei scheint vordergründig der interventionellen „Edge-to-edge“-Plastik die tragende Rolle zuzukommen.

Fragestellung

Welche Bedeutung hat die chirurgische Mitralklappenrekonstruktion bei FMR im Lichte der aktuellen Evidenz?

Material und Methoden

Die kritische Betrachtung aktueller Studien (CTSNet, MITRA-FR, COAPT), von Metaanalysen und neuer chirurgischer Studien zeigt Mängel der erstgenannten Studien sowie fehlendes Potenzial für Verallgemeinerungen und die Wertigkeit neuerer chirurgischer Ansätze auf.

Ergebnisse

Erstmals konnte in einer randomisierten Studie die Überlegenheit einer Klappenintervention gegenüber optimaler medikamentöser Therapie gezeigt werden. Neue chirurgische Techniken mit Einschluss subanulärer Rekonstruktionen in minimalinvasiver Technik gehen mit einer deutlich besseren Prognose für den Patienten einher als die restriktive Anuloplastie allein und als interventionelle Rekonstruktionen durch Edge-to-edge-Plastik.

Schlussfolgerung

Diese Ergebnisse verdeutlichen die Vorteile der Mitralklappenrekonstruktion in der Behandlung der FMR. Ergänzende subanuläre Rekonstruktionen bergen das Potenzial für eine anhaltende Freiheit von Mitralklappeninsuffizienz Rezidiven und klinischen Ereignissen, das die isolierte Edge-to-edge-Plastik nicht erreicht. Allein durch interdisziplinäre Diskussion im Herz-Team kann die optimale individualisierte Therapiestrategie unter Einbeziehung aller Techniken gefunden werden.

Functional and Degenerative Mitral Regurgitation: One Ring Fits All?

BACKGROUND

Three-dimensional saddle-shaped annuloplasty rings have been shown to create a larger surface of leaflet coaptation in mitral valve repair (MVR) for functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) and degenerative mitral regurgitation (DMR) which may increase repair durability. For the first time, this study reports mid-term results after MVR for DMR and FMR using a rigid three-dimensional ring (Profile 3D, Medtronic).

METHODS

Between June 2009 and June 2012, 369 patients with DMR (n = 326) or FMR (n = 43) underwent MVR (mean age 62.3 ± 12.6 years). A total of 205 patients (55.6%) underwent isolated MVR and 164 patients (44.4%) a combined procedure. Follow-up examinations were performed in 94.9% (mean 4.9 ± 0.9 years). Echocardiographic assessment was complete in 93.2% (mean 4.3 ± 1.2 years).

RESULTS

The 30-day mortality was 1.5% (5/326) for DMR (1.5% for isolated and 1.6% for combined procedures) and 9.3% (4/43) for FMR (0% for isolated and 10.5% for combined procedures). Survival at 6 years was 92.1 ± 1.9% for DMR (92.9 ± 2.6% for isolated and 90.7 ± 2.7% for combined procedures) and 66.4 ± 7.9% for FMR (80.0 ± 17.9% for isolated and 63.7 ± 8.9% for combined procedures). Cumulative risk for mitral valve-related reoperation at 6 years was 0% for FMR and 7.1 ± 1.5% for DMR. At echocardiographic follow-up, one patient presented with mitral regurgitation (MR) more than moderate. The only predictor of recurrent MR after MVR for DMR was residual mild MR at discharge.

CONCLUSION

Repair of FMR with the three-dimensional Profile 3D annuloplasty ring shows excellent mid-term results with regard to recurrence of MR. In cases of DMR, the results are conforming to the current literature.

The Choice of Treatment in Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation With Reduced Left Ventricular Function

BACKGROUND

Ischemic mitral regurgitation is a condition characterized by mitral insufficiency secondary to an ischemic left ventricle. Primarily, the pathology is the result of perturbation of normal regional left ventricular geometry combined with adverse remodeling. We present a comprehensive review of contemporary surgical, medical, and percutaneous treatment options for ischemic mitral regurgitation, rigorously examined by current guidelines and literature.

METHODS

We conducted a literature search of the PubMed database, Embase, and the Cochrane Library (through November 2018) for studies reporting perioperative or late mortality and echocardiographic outcomes after surgical and nonsurgical intervention for ischemic mitral regurgitation.

RESULTS

Treatment of this condition is challenging and often requires a multimodality approach. These patients usually have multiple comorbidities that may preclude surgery as a viable option. A multidisciplinary team discussion is crucial in optimizing outcomes. There are several options for treatment and management of ischemic mitral regurgitation with differing benefits and risks. Guideline-directed medical therapy for heart failure is the treatment choice for moderate and severe ischemic mitral regurgitation, with consideration of coronary revascularization, mitral valve surgery, cardiac resynchronization therapy, or a combination of these, in appropriate candidates. The use of transcatheter mitral valve therapy is considered appropriate in high-risk patients with severe ischemic mitral regurgitation, heart failure, and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, especially in those with hemodynamic instability.

CONCLUSIONS

The role of mitral valve surgery and transcatheter mitral valve therapy continues to evolve.

Standardized Subannular Repair Improves Outcomes in Type IIIb Functional Mitral Regurgitation

BACKGROUND

The major drawback of isolated annuloplasty in secondary mitral regurgitation (MR) is the reoccurrence of MR. We prospectively compared the results of isolated annuloplasty vs annuloplasty with simultaneous standardized subannular repair.

METHODS

The study comprised 101 patients with secondary type IIIb MR. Of these, 51 underwent annuloplasty plus standardized subannular repair with realignment of both papillary muscles (subannular repair) and 50 underwent isolated annuloplasty. The primary study end point was the reoccurrence of MR >2 at the 1-year follow-up. Secondary end points were survival, freedom from major adverse cardiac events, and residual leaflet tethering.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics were comparable in both groups. There was no significant difference in in-hospital mortality (P = .3). Although postrepair MR was comparable between the subannular repair and isolated annuloplasty subgroups, the residual leaflet tethering (tenting area, 127.6 ± 35.8 mm² vs 166.3 ± 47.3 mm², P = .02; posterior mitral leaflet angle, 19.2 ± 4.7 degrees vs 24.8 ± 5.2 degrees, P = .001; anterior mitral leaflet angle, 25.4 ± 5.8 degrees vs 34.1 ± 4.0 degrees, P = .001; and tenting height, 5.9 ± 1.4 mm vs 9.2 ± 2.2 mm, P = .001) were significantly increased in the isolated annuloplasty group (P < .001). At the 1-year follow-up, we found a significant difference between the groups in the freedom from MR >2 of 98% (50 of 51) for subannular repair vs 86.7% (39 of 45) for isolated annuloplasty (P = .045) and mortality of 0% (0 of 51) for subannular repair vs 10% (5 of 50) for isolated annuloplasty (P = .025).

CONCLUSIONS

In secondary MR with reduced leaflet motion, the combination of annuloplasty and standardized subannular repair is associated with a significantly reduced MR reoccurrence, decreased residual leaflet tenting, and significantly improved 1-year outcome compared with annuloplasty alone.

The role of transcatheter mitral valve therapy in heart failure

Mitral valve regurgitation is detected in up to 75% of patients with heart failure. Interventional mitral valve therapies can be used to treat mitral regurgitation with very low morbidity and mortality rates and minimal invasiveness. Devices intended for the replacement of the mitral valve still require significant development and refinement before entering clinical practice on a large scale. The derived benefit of these therapies, the priority (repair over replacement) and the therapeutic role in patients with secondary mitral regurgitation due to heart failure remain to be investigated.

Can We Predict Failure of Mitral Valve Repair?

Objective: To identify echocardiographic and surgical risk factors for failure after mitral valve repair. Methods: We identified a total of 77 consecutive patients from our institutional mitral valve surgery database who required redo mitral valve surgery due to recurrence of mitral regurgitation after primary mitral valve repair. A control group of 138 patients who had a stable echocardiographic long-term result was included based on propensity score matching. Systematic analysis of echocardiographic parameters was performed before primary surgery; after mitral valve repair and prior to redo surgery. Risk factor analysis was performed using multivariate Cox regression model. Results: Redo surgery was associated with the presence of pulmonary hypertension ≥ 50 mmHg (p = 0.02), a mean transmitral gradient > 5 mmHg (p = 0.001), left ventricular ejection fraction ≤ 45% (p = 0.05) before surgery and mitral regurgitation ≥moderate at time of discharge (p = 0.002) in the whole cohort. Patients with functional mitral valve regurgitation had a higher tendency to undergo redo surgery if preoperative left ventricular end-diastolic diameter exceeded 65 mm (p = 0.043) and if postoperative tenting height exceeded 6 mm (p = 0.018). Low ejection fraction was not significantly associated with the need for redo mitral valve surgery in the functional subgroup. Conclusions: Recurrent mitral regurgitation is still a valuable problem and is associated with relevant perioperative mortality. Patients with severe mitral regurgitation should undergo early mitral valve repair surgery as long as systolic pulmonary artery pressure is low, left ventricular ejection fraction is preserved, and LVEED is deceeds 65 mm.