Mitral regurgitation: challenges and solutions

: Since the first mitral valvuloplasty in 1923, the technique of mitral valvuloplasty has matured over the years and now has become the first-line treatment, especially in patients with myxomatous mitral regurgitation (MR). We have highlighted some of the major problems that are encountered with the various etiologies of MR. We believe that repair is always the optimal surgical procedure for any of the above etiologies if it is consistent with a long-term result. However, replacement has shown to be a safer procedure in some instances such as severe functional MR or destructive endocarditis.