MITRAL-VALVE REPAIR USING A FLEXIBLE AND ADJUSTABLE ANNULOPLASTY RING

Initial experience with a new flexible and adjustable mitral annulopla sty ring is described. Used in conjunction with standard techniques of mitral valve repair, this ring was implanted in 21 consecutive patien ts undergoing elective operation for mitral regurgitation. Satisfactor y valve repair was feasible in 20 of these patients. Once the ring was sewn in place, adjustment of the ring to reduce or eliminate residual regurgitation was beneficial in 9 patients. Excellent results were ac hieved as determined by intraoperative transesophageal echocardiograph y. Comparable late results were found in all but 1 patient up to 1 yea r after repair. This patient required mitral valve replacement 6 month s after repair due to failure of papillary muscle reconstruction. The BiFlex ring has the merits of a flexible prosthesis with the advantage of easy adjustment once secured in place.