We sought to present our institutional protocol to manage incomplete initial repair of degenerative mitral regurgitation and to evaluate its mid-term outcomes. Eight hundred and fifteen patients with degenerative mitral insufficiency undergoing mitral valve repair were investigated in this study. The initial repair attempt was incomplete in 48 patients, leaving a degree of residual regurgitation > mild, and an elevated transmitral gradient or systolic anterior motion (SAM). These patients were further treated with medication or mitral valve re-repair or replacement under reinstituted cardiopulmonary bypass. Transesophageal echocardiographic reports and operational records were reviewed to identify morphological causes and establish management of incomplete initial repair. Mid-term outcomes of patients with re-repair and complete initial repair were evaluated and compared. Residual mitral regurgitation > mild was detected in 25 patients, an elevated transmitral gradient was detected in seven patients, and SAM was detected in 16 patients. The condition of eight patients with SAM was resolved with medication only. Mitral valve re-repair was performed in 23 patients and replacement was performed in 17, with comparable early mortality and morbidity. At 60.3 ± 25.5 months after surgery, late mitral stenosis and reoperation rate were significantly higher in re-repair patients than in patients with complete initial repair, despite comparable survival, left chamber reverse remodeling, and degree of residual regurgitation. Based on our institutional protocol, acceptable outcomes can be achieved for patients with incomplete initial mitral valve repair. Management should be tailored based on the characteristics of the mitral valve complex, expected repair durability, and operative risk.
Keywords: Cardiopulmonary bypass; Mitral valve repair; Mitral valve replacement; Transesophageal echocardiography.