Respect or Resect: A Single Strategy Does Not Fit All

Mitral valve (MV) repair for mitral regurgitation (MR) due to posterior leaflet (PL) prolapse is achieved nowadays with a great success rate and a good survival, similar, in certain subgroups. In this paper, Sakaguchi et al describe their results in two groups of patients with PL prolapse. Some patients underwent resection (resection group) and others chordal replacement with/out limited resection (respect group). Results were similar in terms of survival and MR recurrence. Our goal is to eliminate, as much as possible, MR when a patient with degenerative MR is operated on. Reduction of the mitral orifice and consequently an increase of the transmitral gradient is the rule. MV repair for degenerative MR provides great results, but there is not a single surgical technique. A close evaluation of the anatomical findings will allow us to choose the best strategy for the individual patient. An open mind is the most important characteristic that a surgeon should have to repair a prolapsing PL without residual regurgitation and dangerous gradients.