Initial results of the second order chordal-cutting procedure for chronic ischemic mitral regurgitation

Objective To discuss and evaluate the safty and outcome of the second order chordal-cutting. Methods From Aug 2015 to Mar 2017, 9 chronic IMR patients underwent chordal-cutting procedure, in addition to myocardial revascularization and undersized mitral annuloplasty. The indication was the presence of increased tethering of the anterior leaflet, with a bending angle (BA)<145° and the coaptation depth (CD) less than 10 mm. Pre- and post-procedure clinical data including left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF), mitral regurgitation grade, New York Heart Association (NYHA) class and dimension of the left ventricle were compared. Results There was no perioperative death. No patient was lost to follow-up. MR grade decreased from 2.89 ± 0.60 preoperatively to 0.56 ± 0.70 postoperatively. The New York Heart Association class decreased from 2.78 ± 0.70 preoperatively to 1.33 ± 0.50 postoperatively. The BA increased from (136.22 ± 4.55)°preoperatively to (174.22 ± 3.15)°postoperatively. The coaptation depth decreased from (8.59 ± 0.46) mm preoperatively to (1.54 ± 0.68) mm postoperatively. LVEF increased from 0.49±0.07 preoperatively to 0.57±0.05 postoperatively. The diastolic and systolic diameters of left ventricle decreased from (62.78 ± 5.24 )mm to (53.67 ± 2.99)mm and( 44.11 ± 4.62)mm to( 37.22 ± 3.27)mm, respectively. Conclusion In selected chronic IMR patients with a BA<145° and coaptation depth less than 10 mm, second order chordal-cutting can be a good surgical option, and is related to less MR return or persistence, improved LVEF, and lower New York Heart Association class. Key words: Chronic ischemic mitral regurgitation; Second order chordal-cutting procedure; Surgery