Structure and function of the mitral valve. Eligibility criteria for surgical and interventional approaches

Mitral valve disease, especially severe mitral valve insufficiency, is an increasing issue in our population. Older patients with multiple comorbidities in particular are often denied surgery due to an increased perioperative risk. Because conservative medical treatment of mitral valve disease is often unsatisfactory, interventional techniques to treat mitral valve disease have emerged in recent years as serious alternatives to surgical treatment. Innovative developments in cardiovascular imaging have opened up new ways of looking at the mitral valve for improved diagnostic and therapeutic management of patients with mitral valve disease. These advantages of imaging are important for correct patient selection with either surgical or interventional strategies. This review describes the diagnostic capabilities of echocardiographic techniques for a precise diagnosis of the mitral valve structure and function for planning and performing interventional or surgical procedures.