Techniques and Results of Multiple Valve Repair
J. Scott Rankin MD, Helen B. Rankin, Paul R. Myers MD PhD
Centennial Medical Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
Background
Risk-adjusted operative mortality for multiple valve surgery is twice that for single valve procedures. Since valve repair produces better results than replacement, increasing multiple valve repair could improve outcomes. This study addresses techniques and results of autologous multiple valve reconstruction.
Methods
Of 559 consecutive valve procedures, 70 involved multiple valves (12.5%). From the first half of the series (Group-I, n=35) to the second (Group-II, n=35), mitral (M) and tricuspid (T) repair were increased with artificial chordal replacement, pericardial leaflet augmentation, and full ring annuloplasty. Aortic (A) valve repair was increased by aggressive commissural annuloplasty, central leaflet plication, and selective ultrasonic decalcification. Because aortic valve pathology in multiple valves was usually insufficiency, valve repair was especially applicable.
Mitral/Tricuspid Valve Repair Techniques