Clinical and Fundamental Aspects of Prosthetics and Translocation of Mitral Valve Chordae

Summary: This study compares the efficacy and the safety of two surgical procedures for the treatment of mitral valve prolapse due to degeneration of the mitral valve: chordae replacement and the translocation of secondary mitral valve chordae. In our study, researchers used the loop method proposed by von Oppel and Mohr in 2000. The main principle of the method of prosthetic chordae is the preservation of the native anatomy of the mitral valve. This principle is achieved by the implantation of artificial chordae made of ePTFE Gore‐Tex threads. The chordae replacement method essentially involves five stages: 1. Measuring the required length of the chordae. 2. Forming the loops. 3. Fixation of the group of loops to the papillary muscles. 4. Fixation of the chordal loops to the free edge of the valve. 5. Annuloplasty with a support ring and a hydraulic test to confirm the absence of prolapse. Chordae translocation is the alternative method, which does not require measurement and selection of chordae lengths. Chordae replacement is technically easier (less aortic clamping time) with comparable results. The technique of translocation of secondary chordae essentially consists of three stages: 1. Selection of the secondary chordae. 2. Fixation of secondary chordae to the free edge of the valve. 3. Annuloplasty support ring and hydraulic test to confirm the absence of prolapse.