Objective To evaluate the mid-long term results of application research of artificial Gore-Tex chordate in mitral valvuloplasty in patients with mitral insufficiency caused by endocarditis. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 28 consecutive infective endocarditis(IE) patients who received mitral valve repair with Gore-Tex in our hospital between January 2012 and December 2015. There were 17 males and 11 females. The age of these patients ranged from 18 to 69 (52.0±15.4) years. Echocardiography before operation showed the degree of mitral regurgitation (MR) was severe in 19 patients, moderate in 9 patients. Six patients were in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class Ⅱ, 14 in class Ⅲ, 8 in class Ⅳ. There were 26 selective surgeries and 2 emergent surgeries. One patient had concomitant coronary artery bypass graft. Six patients had aortic valve replacement. Five patients had aortic valve repair. Twenty patients had tricuspid valve repair. Five patients had Maze procedure. Results Follow-up was done to all the patients for 6 months to 55 (30.5±6.4) months. During the follow-up, the echocardiography showed that postoperative left atrium diameter (36.64±8.50 mm vs. 51.78±17.50 mm, P<0.05) and left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (49.30±5.05 mmvs. 57.70±7.49 mm, P<0.05) were significantly smaller than those before operation. The left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) increased from 53.86%±8.16% to 59.14%±4.23% (P<0.05). No MR was found in 16 patients, mild MR in 8 patients, mild to moderate MR in 2 patients, moderate MR in 1 patient. One patient required reoperation for recurrent infection. No death or complications related to thrombosis and embolism occurred after operation. Conclusion Application research of artificial Gore-Tex chordate in mitral valve repair is feasible for treating mitral valve lesions caused by endocarditis, and may provide a long-term outcome to the patients.
ObjectiveTo research the procedure for creating an animal model of mitral regurgitation by implanting a device through the apical artificial chordae tendineae, and to assess the stability and dependability of the device. MethodsTwelve large white swines were employed in the experiments. Through a tiny hole in the apex of the heart, the artificial chordae tendineae of the mitral valve was inserted under the guidance of transcardiac ultrasonography. Before, immediately after, and one and three months after surgery, cardiac ultrasonography signs were noted. Results All models were successfully established. During the operation and the follow-up, no swines died. Immediately after surgery, the mitral valve experienced moderate regurgitation. Compared with preoperation, there was a variable increase in the amount of regurgitation and the values of heart diameters at a 3-month follow-up (P<0.05). ConclusionIn off-pump, the technique of pulling the mitral valve leaflets with chordae tendineae implanted transapically under ultrasound guidance can stably and consistently create an animal model of mitral regurgitation.