Mitral valve repair in heart failure

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a frequent complication of end-stage heart fai lure. Historically, these patients were either managed medically or with mi tral valve replacement, both associated with poor outcomes. Mitral valve re pair via an 'undersized' annuloplasty repair is safe arid effectively corre cts MR in heart-failure patients. All of the observed changes contribute to reverse remodeling and restoration of the normal left-ventricular geometri c relationship. Mitral valve repair offers a new strategy for patients with MR and end-stage heart failure. (C) European Society of Cardiology. AU rig hts reserved.