Long-term outcome of combined valve repair and maze procedure for nonrheumatic mitral regurgitation

ObjectiveThe long-term outcomes of combined mitral repair and maze procedure for patients with nonrheumatic mitral regurgitation and chronic atrial fibrillation were evaluated.MethodsBetween June 1992 and December 2008, 187 patients underwent a combined mitral repair and maze procedure. The mean follow-up period was 7.4 ± 4.3 years. Chordal reconstruction was performed in 69 patients, leaflet resection in 91, edge-to-edge leaflet suture in 30, and ring annuloplasty in 156. In addition, a cryo-maze procedure was applied in 110, and a Cox–Kosakai maze and radiofrequency maze were applied in the others.ResultsThere were 2 operative deaths and the 15-year survival was 71%. The 15-year freedom from greater than grade 3 mitral regurgitation was 61%; rates of freedom from heart failure (New York Heart Association class ≥ III) and reoperations were 79% and 91%, respectively. Cardiac function was improved and left ventricular size was decreased significantly postoperatively. Multivariate analysis showed that a large left ventricular diastolic diameter (≥65 mm) was an independent risk factor for recurrent mitral regurgitation. Eleven thromboembolic episodes (0.79%/patient-year) were detected during follow-up examinations, of which 7 occurred in patients with recurrent atrial fibrillation. Sinus rhythm was regained in 86% after 6 months and in 63% after 15 years. Multivariate analysis showed that a small-voltage f wave was an independent risk factor for AF recurrence.ConclusionsA combined mitral valve repair and maze procedure provided low rates of morbidity and mortality and led to well-preserved cardiac function. Left ventricular diastolic diameter and f-wave voltage can be accurate predictors of good long-term outcome.