7-YEAR EXPERIENCE WITH CHORDAL REPLACEMENT WITH EXPANDED POLYTETRAFLUOROETHYLENE IN FLOPPY MITRAL-VALVE

Among 106 patients operated on for implantation of artificial mitral c hordae (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene), usually associated with oth er traditional procedures, 82 had degenerative valve disease. Two of t hem had the valve replaced during the same operation because of residu al regurgitation, and one patient died (1.3 %) of respiratory insuffic iency. Seventy-nine patients left the hospital and were followed up to 84 months, No late deaths and only one valve-related complication wer e reported. This occurred in a patient who required reoperation after 18 months for sudden recurrence of mitral regurgitation caused by the rupture of natural chordae, which had been shortened during the first procedure, whereas the artificial chordae had retained their function. The clinical experience confirms positive experimental data, because this technique was reliable with lasting results. Application of artif icial chordae, associated with other traditional techniques, is useful to improve the results and to extend the indications for mitral valve repair.