NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN MITRAL-VALVE REPAIR

The etiology of mitral valve disease is changing, The predominance of rheumatic pathology has given way to degenerative pathology in an incr easingly elderly population, Mitral valve conservation by repair rathe r than replacement has several advantages. Repair is associated with a lower incidence of thromboembolism, hemolysis, and infectious endocar ditis. For patients in sinus rhythm, thromboembolism is rare and antic oagulation can be discontinued, Repair also is associated with improve d long-term survival, This article reviews the current literature on d ifferent types of surgical techniques for repair of the mitral valve a nd discusses future trends. (C) 1998 Rapid Science Publishers.