Mitral insufficiency surgery to treat advanced heart failure

Rev Bras Cir Cardiovasc. 2009 Oct-Dec;24(4):540-51. doi: 10.1590/s0102-76382009000500016.
[Article in English, Portuguese]

Abstract

Dilated cardiomyopathy is characterized by severe, progressive myocardial dysfunction that is, irreversible. That syndrome leads to cardiac remodeling with augmentation of left ventricle volume and sphericity, dilation of the mitral annulus and dislocation of papillary muscles that pulls up the mitral cords thereby restraining leaflet excursion. These biomechanical modifications generate functional mitral valve regurgitation, a dismal prognostic sign. Mitral valve plasty or replacement was introduced as surgical coadjuvants to conventional medical treatment, with good symptomatic improvement. The long term survival benefit is yet to be demonstrated.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cardiomyopathy, Dilated / complications
  • Heart Failure / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Mitral Valve / surgery
  • Mitral Valve Insufficiency / etiology
  • Mitral Valve Insufficiency / surgery*
  • Survival Analysis