Standardized loop technique for mitral valve repair offers good midterm results

BACKGROUND: We reviewed the midterm results of our approach for mitral valve repair with the use of standardized loops. METHODS: In a retrospective single-center study, mitral repairs performed between November 2015 and December 2019 with the standardized loop technique were included. Predefined loops of 15 and 25 mm (Gore-Tex) were implanted for posterior or anterior mitral prolapses, respectively. Isolated or concomitant mitral repairs were performed by either a sternotomy or minithoracotomy. Mean follow-up was 25.3 ± 14.7 months. RESULTS: Among 92 patients operated on for mitral repair during this period, 65 had repair with the standardized loop technique. They were mostly men (73.8%) and the mean age was 65.1 ± 9.7 years. Valve prolapse was mainly posterior (87.7%), and cordal rupture was seen in 81.5% of cases. The procedures were carried out by a minithoracotomy in 49.2% of patients. Isolated mitral repairs represented 63.1% of cases. Crossclamp and bypass times were 102 ± 22.8 min and 144.7 ± 34.9 min, respectively. The mean number of loops implanted was 2.7 ± 0.9. No patient left the operating room with moderate or severe mitral regurgitation. Postoperative morbidity was 18.4% (12 patients) and 30-day mortality was 3.1% (2 patients). Overall 4-year survival and freedom from reoperation for mitral repair failure were 84.4% and 91.7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The standardized loop technique for mitral repair showed good midterm results. This technique can be valuable in the armamentarium of mitral repairs. Further evaluation is needed for long-term follow-up.