Objective To compare chordal transposition and chordal shortening in repairing anterior leaflet prolapse (ALP)， and explore the surgical indications as well as merits and demerits of these two techniques. 〖WTHZ〗Methods We retrospectively reviewed the data of 90 ALP patients recruited into Anzhen Hospital between March 1986 and March 2008, and classified them into chordal shortening group (n=23) and chordal transposition group (n=67). KaplanMeier survival curve and freedom from reoperation curve were established to compare the two groups. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic analysis regression were used to identify independent risk factors for early death and late cardiac events. 〖WTHZ〗Results There were three perioperative deaths in chordal shortening group（13.0%）, and three deaths in chordal transposition group (4.4%), and the difference was not significant (χ2=2.019，P=0.155). The follow-up time ranged from 1 month to 18 yrs（7.70±5.41 yrs）. There were 5 late deaths, of which 3 were in chordal shortening group and 2 in chordal transposition group. The KaplanMeier survival curve showed that 5-year survival rate of chordal shortening group was significantly lower than chordal transposition group (70.00%±18.24% vs.98.00%±1.98%,χ2=12.50, P=0.000); And the KaplanMeier freedom from reoperation curve showed [CM(159mm]that 5-year reoperation rate of chordal shortening group was also significantly lower than chordal transposition group (83.30%±15.20% vs.96.10%±2.71%,χ2=10.27，P≤0.001). By the univariate analysis, we found that age＞55 yrs old, concomitant CABG procedure, New York Heart Association (NYHA) function class Ⅲ-Ⅳ, preoperative heart failure history, aortic clamping time＞90 min, and preoperative lefe ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)＜45% were the risk factors for perioperative death and risk factors for late cardiac events included postoperative mitral regurgitation＞2+, chordal shortening technique, preoperative heart failure history, and aortic clamping time＞90 min. The multivariate logistic analysis regression showed that aortic clamping time＞90 min, concomitant CABG procedure, preoperative LVEF＜45% were the independent predictors for perioperative death, and NYHA class ⅢⅣ, chordalshortening technique and residual mitral regurgitation＞2+ were the independent predictors for the late cardiac events. Conclusion （1） There is no statistically difference between chordal transposition and chordal shortening in the perioperative survival rate. (2) Chordal transposition has a relative superiority to chordal shortening in terms of 5-year survival rate. (3) Chordal transposition has a higher mid and longterm rate of freedom from reoperation than chordal shortening. （4） Although chordal transposition has a lower incidence of reoperation and ahigher mid and longterm survival rate, the indication for it is restricted to less extensive ALP and patients with transferrable chord in the posterior leaflet. Chordal shortening is an independent risk factor for late events.
ObjectiveTo summarize our clinical experience and improve clinical outcomes of chordal transfer and artificial chordae in mitral valvuloplasty (MVP). MethodsClinical data of 74 patients who received chordal transfer or artificial chordae in MVP for the treatment of anterior mitral leaflet prolapse[degenerative mitral regurgitation (MR)] from January 2008 to February 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 34 male and 40 female patients with their age of 22-64 (48.00±6.40)years. According to different surgical techniques, all the 74 patients were divided into 2 groups. In the chordal transfer group, there were 42 patients who received chordal transfer with posterior leaflet chordae transferred to anterior leaflet. In the artificial chordae group, there were 32 patients who received artificial chordae with loop technique. Postoperative mortality, morbidity and MR were analyzed. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD)and end-systolic diameter (LVESD)were examined by echocardiography during follow-up. ResultsThere was no perioperative death in either group. Two patients underwent reexploration for postoperative bleeding. Nine patients had paroxysmal atrial fibrillation postoperatively, and were cured by intravenous administration of amiodarone. Echocardiography before discharge showed mild MR in 5 patients, trivial MR in 12 patients, and none MR in 25 patients in the chordal transfer group, and mild MR in 6 patients, trivial MR in 15 patients and none MR in 11 patients in the artificial chordae group. Seventy patients[94.59%(70/74)] were followed up after discharge. In both groups, LVEF at 6 months after MVP was significantly higher than that before discharge (chordal transfer group:64.00%±4.20% vs. 55.00%±5.10%; artificial chordae group:63.00%±3.50% vs. 56.00%±4.20%). LVEDD (chordal transfer group:47.00±2.20 mm vs. 58.00±6.90 mm; artificial chordae group:45.00±3.80 mm vs. 57.00±5.10 mm, P < 0.05)and LVESD at 6 months after MVP were significantly smaller than preoperative values. There was no statistical difference in LVEF, LVEDD or LVESD preop-eratively, before discharge and 6 months after MVP respectively between the chordal transfer group and artificial chordae group (P > 0.05). One patient in the chordal transfer group underwent mitral valve replacement for severe MR 14 months after MVP. One patient in the artificial choadae group underwent mitral valve replacement for persistent hemoglobinuria 6 months after MVP. ConclusionChordal transfer and artificial chordae technique are both suitable for the treatment of complex anterior leaflet prolapse. Artificial chordae has wider range of application, and chordae transfer needs advanced and flexible surgical skills. Both techniques have good short-term clinical outcomes and deserve clinical application.