Long-term assessment of mitral valve reconstruction with resection of the leaflets: triangular and quadrangular resection.

BACKGROUND The procedure of quadrangular resection and suture for prolapsed posterior leaflet of the mitral valve is a reliable and reproducible method that achieves excellent long-term results. However, triangular resection and suture of a prolapsed anterior leaflet is not widely supported and different techniques have been advocated. The aim of this study was to review our experience of mitral valve repair in which resection of the anterior and/or posterior leaflets was performed. METHODS Between October 1991 and September 2003, 105 patients with mitral regurgitation underwent mitral valve reconstruction with leaflet resection, including 55 patients with quadrangular resection of the posterior leaflet (P), 32 patients with triangular resection of the anterior leaflet (A), and 18 patients with resection of both leaflets (A+P). RESULTS The mean follow-up period was 63.6 (1 to 139) months. Reoperation was required in 2 patients, each after resection of the anterior or posterior leaflet. The freedom from reoperation rates at 10 years in 93% +/- 5% of patients after triangular resection of the anterior leaflet, 96% +/- 3% after quadrangular resection of the posterior leaflet, and 100% after resection of both leaflets. There were no significant differences of survival or risk of reoperation among these three groups. The postoperative mitral valve area was significantly smaller than the preoperative area in all three groups, but remained large enough (A: 2.84 +/- 1.07; P: 2.6 +/- 0.87; A+P: 3.09 +/- 1.20 cm2) for adequate valve function. CONCLUSIONS Triangular resection of a prolapsed anterior mitral leaflet is a reliable, reproducible, and durable procedure, like quadrangular resection of a prolapsed posterior leaflet.