Transventricular mitral valve repair in patients with acute forms of ischemic mitral regurgitation

Operative strategies for acute mitral regurgitation as a mechanical complication of myocardial infarction

Severe mitral regurgitation secondary to papillary muscle rupture is one of the mechanical complications after an acute myocardial infarction. Surgical strategies represent the cornerstone of treatment in this disease; in addition to surgical valve replacement, approaches involving surgical valve repair have been reported over time in different clinical scenarios to restore valve competency, improve cardiac function and reduce mechanical prosthesis-related risks. Moreover, in recent years, percutaneous trans-catheter procedures have emerged as an important alternative in high risk or inoperable patients.

Left Ventricular Aneurysm After Post-Infarction Ventricular Septal Defect Repair

The surgical indication and optimal approach for ischemic mitral regurgitation with ventricular septal defect remain uncertain. Very few studies have reported the occurrence of left ventricular aneurysms after repair of ischemic ventricular septal defects. We report a case of a left posterior ventricular aneurysm that developed after an urgent operation to repair an acute ischemic posterior ventricular septal defect using the double-patch sandwich technique via a right ventriculotomy.

Alternative approaches for mitral valve repair

Unique situations arise in which alternative exposures for mitral valve surgery offer distinct advantages over traditional approaches. Each exposure facilitates both mitral valve repair and replacement, although the standard repair procedures must be modified to accommodate these non-traditional exposures. Here, we detail the technical considerations required to perform transventricular and transaortic mitral valve repair as well as discuss the advantages for employing these less conventional approaches.