Strength comparison of mitral annuloplasty ring and suturing combinations: an in-vitro study.

Background And Aim Of The Study: While mattress sutures are commonly used to secure annuloplasty rings during mitral valve repair, the use of a flexible ring secured with a running polypropylene suture has recently been advocated. The study aim was to assess the separation tensions of semi-rigid and flexible rings using mattress and running suture techniques in an in-vitro static load model.

Methods: Semi-rigid and flexible annuloplasty rings were sutured with either mattress or running sutures (RM, RR, FM, FR) in four groups, of eight hearts each.

Non-resectional repair of myxomatous mitral valve disease: the 'American Correction'.

The 'American Correction', as proposed by Lawrie for myxomatous mitral valve disease, utilizes artificial chords and a flexible annuloplasty ring sutured in place with a running technique. Leaflet resection is not performed. The aim of this review is to describe the physiologic basis of this repair, to contrast it with the Carpentier approach, and present the surgical technique in detail.