Mitral Valve Repair in Children with Mitral Insufficiency Using Single Simple Technique

Background: The multifactorial nature of pathologies causing mitral valve insufficiency in children along with the anticipated child’s growth make mitral valve repair in such age group a complex procedure. The main cardiac surgeon’s consideration in repairing insufficient mitral valve is to rgestore the valve’s geometry and motility using the simplest possible technique.Objective: This study assessed mid-term feasibility and durability of mitral posterior annuloplasty using pericardial patch in patients aged less than 18 years as a simple technique of mitral valve repair.Patients and Methods: Data from Cairo University Hospitals on total number of 100 children who underwent successful mitral valve repair (without need for valve replacement) were gathered from their records, including postoperative and follow-up echocardiographic studies.Results: there were no in-hospital mortalities nor early postoperative significant mitral regurgitation (MR). Follow-up echocardiographic studies revealed moderate mitral regurgitation in 8 patients (8%) and only one patient (1%) required re-operation for severe mitral regurgitation where mitral valve replacement (MVR) was done.Conclusion: MV repair (MVr) in children using pericardial patch for posterior annuloplasty showed excellent survival, acceptable re-operation rate and satisfactory valve function at short and mid-term follow-up.