Early results of non-resectional, vertical folding mitral valve repair for mid-posterior mitral valve prolapse

Background: This study aims to report early results of the non-resectional, vertical folding mitral valve repair for mid-posterior mitral valve prolapse. Methods: Data of consecutive 32 patients (18 males, 14 females; mean age 61.3 +/- 12.5 years; range 43 to 75) who underwent non-resectional, vertical folding mitral valve repair for mid-posterior mitral valve prolapse between November 2011 and March 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Results: The median follow-up was 33 months (range, 3 to 48 months). Repair failure requiring replacement did not occur in any patient. During follow-up, nearly none of the patients (n=31, 96.9%) experienced aggravation of the degree of mitral regurgitation. Conclusion: Our study results show that non-resectional, vertical folding mitral valve repair for mid-posterior mitral valve prolapse has several advantages such as simplicity, reversibility, and reproducibility without consuming surgical time. In particular, for surgeons with a limited experience, this technique is a valuable alternative and should be considered as a technical armamentarium.