Degenerative Mitral Valve Repair Simplified: An Evolution to Universal Artificial Cordal Repair

Background: Resectional and artificial cordal repair techniques are effective strategies for degenerative mitral valve (MV) repair. However, resectional repair requires a tailored approach using various techniques, whereas cordal repair offers a simpler, easily reproducible repair. The approach described in this study approach has evolved from resectional to cordal over time, and outcomes are compared between the eras. Methods: Clinical and echocardiographic outcomes of all patients undergoing MV repair for degenerative mitral regurgitation (MR) from January 2004 to September 2017 were reviewed. Patients were stratified by era: from January 2004 to June 2011 (era 1; n = 405), resectional techniques were used in 62% and artificial cordal techniques were used in 38%. From July 2011 to September 2017 (era 2; n = 438), artificial cordal repair was used in 98% of patients. The primary outcome was repair failure, defined as greater than moderate MR or MV reoperation. Results: Of 847 patients with degenerative MR, successful repair was achieved in 843 patients (99.5% repair rate). Leaflet prolapse was posterior in 66%, anterior in 8%, and bileaflet in 26%. Cardiopulmonary bypass time and cross-clamp times were shorter in era 2 (CPB: 109 [IQR, 92–128] minutes vs 97 [IQR, 76–121] minutes; P < .001; cross-clamp: 88 [IQR, 73–106] minutes vs. 79 [IQR, 61–99] minutes; P < .001). Predismissal echocardiography demonstrated no MR or trace MR in 95%, mild MR in 4.7%, and moderate MR in 0.3% of patients. Operative mortality was similar in the eras (0.5% vs 0.5%; P > .999). The rates of 5-year freedom from repair failure (95.1% vs 95.5%; P = .707), stroke (96.8% vs 95.3%; P = .538), and endocarditis (99.3% vs 99.7%; P = .604) were similar between the eras. Conclusions: Artificial cordal repair for all patients with degenerative MR simplifies MV repair and yields equivalent, excellent outcomes compared with a tailored resectional approach.