[Preservation of the entire mitral subvalvular apparatus during mitral valve replacement in patients with mitral stenosis].

Objective: To evaluate the surgical technique and the effect of preservation of the entire mitral subvalvular apparatus during mitral valve replacement (MVR) in patients with mitral stenosis.

Methods: MVR was performed on 56 patients with mitral stenosis. Of them, 11 had complete preservation of the entire mitral subvalvular apparatus (group A) with the technique of preservation of 'button-shaped' transplantation, 25 had the preservation of the posterior leaflet only (group B), and the other 20 underwent the conventional MVR (group C). Pre- and postoperative hemodynamic parameters were measured to determine the left ventricular performance. Echocardiography was performed preoperatively, at the time of discharge, and 3 to approximately 6 months postoperatively to determine the dimensions and ejection function.

Results: Cardiac index, stroke volume index and left ventricular stroke work index postoperatively in group A were better than those in group B and C (P < 0.05). Echocardiographic measurements postoperatively showed the increase of LVESD, LVEDD in group B and C, but a better LVL and LVFS in group A (P < 0.05), and LVEF was more pronounced in group A (P < 0.05). There appeared a long cross-clamp time in group A, but the total CPB time was not significant among the three groups.

Conclusion: The surgical skills of preservation with 'button-shaped' transplantation may be a practical choice for patients with mitral stenosis. The preservation of entire mitral subvalvular apparatus improves the left ventricular functions after MVR in patients with mitral valve stenosis.