Clinical evaluation of the Physio annuloplasty ring

The Carpentier-Edwards Classic and Physio Annuloplasty Rings in Repair of Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease: A Retrospective Study

Background

Physio ring (SR) is considered an improved version of the Classic rigid ring (RR). Today, SR is more widely used in mitral valve (MV) repair. We sought to compare the long-term outcomes of repair with RR and SR in degenerative mitral valve disease.

Methods

In a computerized registry of our institution, 306 patients had MV repair with either RR (139 patients) or SR (167 patients) ring between 2005 and 2015. Fifteen of them had concomitant tricuspid valve repair. Ninety-two (30.1%) had Barlow's disease and 214 (69.9%) had fibroelastic deficiency. The patients had similar demographic and echocardiographic characteristics.

Results

There were 4 (1.3%) operative mortalities. Mean follow-up time was 107.4 ± 13.2 months. Left ventricular end diastolic and end systolic diameters significantly improved in both groups but not between groups. Survival at 10 years was 84.6% (93.1% in RR and 91.5% in SR; p = 0.177) and 10-year freedom from recurrent MR ≥ 2+ was 74.5% (88.2% in RR and 86.3% in SR; p = 0.110). Reoperations for repair failure were 8 in RR and 6 in SR. By Cox regression analysis, Barlow's disease and preoperative MR = 4+ were predictors of repair failure. Old age (≥70 years), NYHA functional class IV and pulmonary artery systolic pressure (≥40 mmHg) were predictors of poor survival by univariate analysis.

Conclusion

Long-term outcomes of repair for degenerative MV disease with the Classic and Physio rings are comparable. We also reiterate the importance of large size annuloplasty rings for Barlow's disease to avoid the incidence left ventricular outflow obstruction.

Mid-term results of mitral valve repair using flexible bands versus complete rings in patients with degenerative mitral valve disease: a prospective, randomized study

Background

We aimed to compare the outcomes of mitral valve repair with flexible band (FB) versus complete semirigid ring (SR) in degenerative mitral valve disease patients.

Methods

From September 2011 to 2014, 171 patients were randomized and underwent successful mitral valve repair using a SR (n = 85) or FB (n = 86). There were no significant between-group differences at baseline.

Results

There were no early mortalities. The mean follow up was 24.7 months. The 2-year survival was 96.0 ± 2.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 88.6–98.7%) and 94.3 ± 2.8% (95% CI, 85.5–97.9%) in the SR and FB groups, respectively (p = 0.899). The left ventricle remodeling was similar between the groups. Higher transmitral peak (8.5 [3.9–17] vs. 6 [2.1–18] mmHg, p < 0.001), mean pressure gradients (3.7 [1.3–8] vs. 2.8 [0.6–6.8] mmHg, p = 0.001), and systolic pulmonary artery pressure (34.5 [20–68] vs. 29.5 [8–48] mmHg, p < 0.001) was observed in the SR group. The 2-year freedom from recurrence of significant mitral regurgitation was significantly higher in the FB group than the SR group (p = 0.002). Residual mitral regurgitation was an independent prognostic factor of recurrence of mitral regurgitation. The 3-year freedom from reoperation was significantly higher in the FB group than the SR group (p = 0.044).

Conclusion

Patients with degenerative mitral valve disease may benefit from valve repair with FBs. Residual mitral regurgitation before discharge is an independent risk factor of late insufficiency recurrence.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03278574, retrospectively registered on 06.09.2017.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13019-017-0679-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Mitral Valve Annuloplasty with Carpentier-Edwards Physio Ring: Mid-term Results

The mid-term results of mitral valve repair with the Carpentier-Edwards Physio annuloplasty ring were assessed in 97 consecutive patients in a single tertiary-referral cardiothoracic surgical center. The mean follow-up time was 3.9 years (range, 1 month to 8.9 years). Most patients were in functional class II and III before the operation. Ejection fraction was < 40% in 8 patients. Causes of mitral regurgitation included degenerative disease (66%), infective endocarditis (13.4%), rheumatic disease (10.3%), and ischemic heart disease (9.3%). Thirty-day mortality was 2.1%. Actuarial survival and freedom from re-operation at 8 years were 91% and 90.8%, respectively. The only significant risk factor for re-operation was residual mitral regurgitation. Four patients suffered thromboembolic complications, giving an overall event-free survival of 93% ± 3.7% during the follow-up period. The Carpentier-Edwards Physio ring provides safe and effective repair of mitral regurgitation on mid-term follow-up.

Mitral Valve Annuloplasty Rings: Review of Literature and Comparison of Functional Outcome and Ventricular Dimensions

In the past decades, more than 40 mitral valve annuloplasty rings of various shapes and consistency were marketed for mitral regurgitation (MR), although the effect of ring type on clinical outcome remains unclear. Our objective was to review the literature and apply a simplification method to make rings of different shapes and rigidity more comparable. We studied relevant literature from MEDLINE and EMBASE databases related to clinical studies as well as animal and finite element models. Annuloplasty rings were clustered into 3 groups as follows: rigid (R), flexible (F), and semirigid (S). Only clinical articles regarding degenerative (DEG) or ischemic/dilated cardiomyopathy (ICM) MR were included and stratified into these groups. A total of 37 rings were clustered into R, F, and S subgroups. Clinical studies with a mean follow-up of less than 1 year and a reported mean etiology of valve incompetence of less than 60% were excluded from the analysis. Forty-one publications were included. Preimplant and postimplant end points were New York Heart Association class, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-systolic dimension (LVESD), and left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD). Statistical analysis included paired-samples t test and analysis of variance with post hoc Bonferroni correction. P < 0.05 indicated statistical difference. Mean ± SD follow-up was 38.6 ± 27 and 29.7 ± 13.2 months for DEG and ICM, respectively. In DEG, LVEF remained unchanged, and LVESD decreased in all subgroups. In our analysis, LVEDD decreased only in F and R, and S did not change; however, the 4 individual studies showed a significant decline. In ICM, New York Heart Association class improved in all subgroups, and LVEF increased. Moreover, LVESD and LVEDD decreased only in F and S; R was underpowered (1 study). No statistical difference among R, F, and S in either ICM or DEG could be detected for all end points. Overall, owing to underpowered data sets derived from limited available publications, major statistical differences in clinical outcome between ring types could not be substantiated. Essential end points such as recurrent MR and survival were incomparable. In conclusion, ring morphology and consistency do not seem to play a major clinical role in mitral valve repair based on the present literature. Hence, until demonstrated otherwise, surgeons may choose their ring upon their judgment, tailored to specific patient needs.

A novel shape memory alloy annuloplasty ring for minimally invasive surgery: design, fabrication, and evaluation

A novel annuloplasty ring with a shape memory alloy core has been developed to facilitate minimally invasive mitral valve repair. In its activated (austenitic) phase, this prototype ring has comparable mechanical properties to commercial semi-rigid rings. In its pre-activated (martensitic) phase, this ring is flexible enough to be introduced through an 8-mm trocar and easily manipulated with robotic instruments within the confines of a left atrial model. The core is constructed of 0.50 mm diameter NiTi, which is maintained below its martensitic transition temperature (24 °C) during deployment and suturing. After suturing, the ring is heated above its austenitic transition temperature (37 °C, normal human body temperature) enabling the NiTi core to attain its optimal geometry and stiffness characteristics indefinitely. This article summarizes the design, fabrication, and evaluation of this prototype ring. Experimental results suggest that the NiTi core ring could be a viable alternative to flexible bands in robot-assisted minimally invasive mitral valve repair.

Effects of different annuloplasty rings on anterior mitral leaflet dimensions

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effects of annuloplasty rings on anterior mitral leaflet dimensions.

METHODS

Sixteen radiopaque markers were sutured evenly spaced over the surface of the anterior mitral leaflet in 57 sheep. The following rings were implanted in a releasable fashion: size 28-mm Cosgrove-Edwards band (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, Calif) (n = 11), rigid saddle-shaped annuloplasty ring (St Jude Medical Inc, St Paul, Minn) (n = 12), Carpentier-Edwards Physio (Edwards Lifesciences) (n = 12), IMR-ETlogix (Edwards Lifesciences) (n = 10), and GeoForm (Edwards Lifesciences) (n = 12). Under acute open chest conditions, 4-dimensional marker coordinates were measured using biplane videofluoroscopy with the annuloplasty ring inserted and after annuloplasty ring release. Septal-lateral and commissure-commissure dimensions were calculated from opposing marker pairs on the septal-lateral and commissure-commissure aspect of the anterior mitral leaflet at end diastole and end systole. To assess changes in anterior mitral leaflet shape, a "planarity index" was assessed by calculating the root mean square values as distances of the 16 anterior mitral leaflet markers to a best fit anterior mitral leaflet plane at end systole.

RESULTS

At end diastole, anterior mitral leaflet septal-lateral and commissure-commissure dimensions did not change with the Cosgrove ring compared with control, whereas the rigid saddle-shaped annuloplasty ring and Physio, IMR-ETlogix, and GeoForm rings reduced anterior mitral leaflet commissure-commissure but not septal-lateral anterior mitral leaflet dimensions. At end systole, the septal-lateral anterior mitral leaflet dimension was smaller with the IMR-ETlogix and GeoForm rings, but did not change with the Cosgrove ring, rigid saddle-shaped annuloplasty ring, and Physio ring. Anterior mitral leaflet shape was unchanged in all 5 groups.

CONCLUSION

With no changes in anterior mitral leaflet planarity, the 4 complete, rigid rings (rigid saddle-shaped annuloplasty ring, Physio, IMR-ETlogix, and GeoForm) reduced the anterior mitral leaflet commissure-commissure dimension at end diastole. The IMR-ETlogix and GeoForm rings decreased the septal-lateral anterior mitral leaflet dimension at end systole, probably as the result of inherent disproportionate downsizing. These changes in anterior mitral leaflet geometry could perturb the stress patterns, which in theory may affect repair durability.

Evaluation of a shape memory alloy reinforced annuloplasty band for minimally invasive mitral valve repair

PURPOSE

An in vitro study using explanted porcine hearts was conducted to evaluate a novel annuloplasty band, reinforced with a two-phase, shape memory alloy, designed specifically for minimally invasive mitral valve repair.

DESCRIPTION

In its rigid (austenitic) phase, this band provides the same mechanical properties as the commercial semi-rigid bands. In its compliant (martensitic) phase, this band is flexible enough to be introduced through an 8-mm trocar and is easily manipulated within the heart.

EVALUATION

In its rigid phase, the prototype band displayed similar mechanical properties to commercially available semi-rigid rings. Dynamic flow testing demonstrated no statistical differences in the reduction of mitral valve regurgitation. In its flexible phase, the band was easily deployed through an 8-mm trocar, robotically manipulated and sutured into place.

CONCLUSIONS

Experimental results suggest that the shape memory alloy reinforced band could be a viable alternative to flexible and semi-rigid bands in minimally invasive mitral valve repair.

Risk factors of posterior pericardial annuloplasty for isolated posterior leaflet prolapse

BACKGROUND

Posterior autologous pericardial annuloplasty is an option in mitral valve repair. However, the durability of posterior pericardial annuloplasty remains controversial.

METHODS

From June 1999 to July 2004, 49 patients (18 male and 31 female; mean age, 64 +/- 12 years) with isolated posterior leaflet prolapse received posterior autologous pericardial annuloplasty. Transthoracic echocardiographic examination before the operation, at the time of discharge, and then annually was performed and analyzed.

RESULTS

There was no incidence of in-hospital or late death. Only 1 patient (2.1%) required reoperation. In terms of recurrent mitral regurgitation, 31 patients (64.6%) exhibited grade 0 mitral regurgitation, 7 patients (14.6%) exhibited grade 1, and 9 patients (18.8%) exhibited grade 2, whereas only 1 patient (2.0%) exhibited more than grade 3. In terms of predicting postoperative recurrence of significant mitral regurgitation (> or =grade 2), multivariate Cox analysis demonstrated that marked left atrial dilatation and high fractional shortening were independent risk factors. In 8 of 10 patients significant mitral regurgitation recurred after discharge. In terms of left atrial dimension, no significant reduction was observed in the postdischarge recurrent group, and there was a significant difference of left atrial dimension between the postdischarge recurrent group and the nonrecurrent group at the time of discharge.

CONCLUSIONS

The merits of mitral valve repair using posterior autologous pericardial annuloplasty are attractive. However, its use should be limited in selected patients with isolated posterior leaflet disease, nonenlarged atria, and non-high fractional shortening to maintain the durability of the mitral valve repair.

Mitral valve repair with the Colvin-Galloway Future Band

BACKGROUND

A new annuloplasty device, the Colvin-Galloway Future Band, has been developed to allow simple and safe mitral valve repair surgery. Here we report its clinical use and the clinical results after a short-term, 2-year follow-up.

METHODS

We assessed the performance of this new device in 40 consecutive patients (55% male; mean age, 68.3 +/- 8.1 years) who were operated on for mitral valve incompetence between 2001 and 2002. Ninety percent of these patients had associated surgical procedures. Clinical and echocardiographic assessment was performed perioperatively and at a mean follow-up of 16.5 +/- 5.7 months (range, 6 to 25 months) in all patients (100%), permitting analysis of 55 patient-years.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight patients survived surgery, resulting in an overall early mortality of 5.0%. There were four noncardiac-related late deaths, resulting in an overall late mortality of 10.0%. Perioperative echocardiography showed no incidences of systolic anterior movement at the time of discharge from the hospital and satisfactory mitral repair results in 36 (95%) patients. At the time of the 2-year follow-up, echocardiography showed satisfactory mitral valve function in all but 2 patients (94%) and a significant postoperative ventricular remodeling: the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter decreased from 64.5 +/- 6.2 mm preoperatively to 50.4 +/- 9.5 mm postoperatively (p < 0.1). At the time of follow-up, 29 (90.6%) patients were in New York Heart Association functional class I or II, all of them describing their quality of life as "significantly improved" if compared with their preoperative status. There were no late reoperations and no thromboembolic, bleeding, or other complications.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical results of the Colvin-Galloway Future Band in this short-term follow-up of patients undergoing complex mitral valve repair seem to be promising.