Use of the anterior mitral leaflet to reinforce the posterior mitral annulus after debridement of calcium

In mitral valve surgery, preservation of continuity between the papillary muscles, chordae, and annulus is associated with preservation of left ventricular function and reduced risk of postoperative left ventricular rupture. However, at mitral valve replacement, extensive annulus and leaflet calcification can necessitate resection of the posterior mitral leaflet. We describe a technique in which the anterior mitral leaflet and its subvalvular apparatus are used to reinforce the posterior mitral annulus after extensive debridement of calcium along the same annulus. (C) 1999 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.