Early Hemodynamic Changes and Short-term Outcomes of Mitral Valvuloplasty versus Replacement with Chordal Preservation for Patients with Mitral Regurgitation

Choi, Yong Seon; Bang, Sou Ouk; Kwak, Young Lan; Chang, Byung Chul; Kim, Ji Ho; Hong, Yong Woo

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Preserving the subvalvular apparatus after mitral valve replacement (MVR) results in better ventricular function and a better outcome. In conjunction, mitral valve repair (MVr) is associated with a better outcome, yet little is known about the hemodynamics and outcomes between patients undergoing MVr and MVR with chordal preservation. We prospectively evaluated the hemodynamic changes and outcomes of patients undergoing MVr and MVR with chordal preservation. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Fifty-four patients with mitral regurgitation (MR) who underwent MVR with chordal preservation (n=21) or MVr (n=33) were studied. The patients' characteristics, the intra- and postoperative hemodynamics and the use of cardiac medications, the postoperative outcome and the complications were recorded during the hospital stay. All the patients were followed up for at least 6 months postoperatively for determining their morbidity and mortality. RESULT: The patients' characteristics were similar between the groups, except for the presence of atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure which was more frequent in the MVR group. Also, the preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction was lower in the MVR group than in the MVr group (64+/-9% versus 69+/-5%, respectively, p=0.043). There were no significant differences of the hemodynamics between the groups. The use of inotropic drugs and pacemakers during the 12hrs postoperatively was more common in the MVR group than in the MVr group (48% versus 24%, p=0.025 and 52% versus 24%, p=0.035, respectively). The other postoperative outcomes were similar in both groups for at least the 6 months follow-up period.
CONCLUSION
MVR with chordal preservation was comparable with regard to the hemodynamics and clinical outcomes, supporting the beneficial effect of preserving the subvalvular apparatus after MVR.