The Role of Papillary Muscle Relocation in Ischemic Mitral Valve Regurgitation

Aim of our study was to compare the results of combined approach papillary muscles relocation (PPMr) + mitral annuloplasty (MA) vs only restrictive annuloplasty (RA) in ischemic mitral regurgitation, guided by 3-dimensional (3D) echocardiography. Sixty-nine patients with severe ischemic mitral regurgitation who had PPMr + MA and coronary artery bypass grafting were matched 1:1 with patients who underwent isolated RA and coronary artery bypass grafting. A comprehensive pre- and postoperatory 2-dimensional and 3D transesophageal echocardiographic examination followed by a 3D offline assessment of the mitral valve apparatus was performed. Five-year freedom from cardiac-related event in the PPMr + MA group and isolated RA group was 83% ± 2.1% and 65.4% ± 1.2%, respectively (P < 0.001). Recurrent mitral regurgitation equal to or greater than moderate occurred in 2 (2.8%) and 8 (11.5%) in PPMr + MA group and RA group, respectively (P < 0.02). The PPMr promoted a significant reversal in left ventricle remodeling compared with the isolated RA. PPMr + MA reduce the tenting area and the coaptation depth with respect to RA, with less incidence of recurrent mitral regurgitation.