Mitral leaflet separation index. An easy two dimensional echocardiography technique for assessment of mitral valve area before and after percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty

The MLS index it is a simple and effective method for assessment of the MVA, it has an excellent correlation with MVA with an excellent sensitivity and specificity for the prediction of effective MVA. The MLS index cannot evaluate outcome of PBMV because it is an anatomical parameter and not flow dependent thus does not correlate with grades of mitral regurgitation.