The 'Valve Racket': a new and different concept of atrioventricular valve repair.
OBJECTIVE
Mitral regurgitation due to prolapse of the mitral leaflets frequently compromises annuloplasty repair procedures. We present a new annuloplasty ring that overcomes this difficulty, preventing displacement of the leaflets into the atrium.


METHODS
The 'Valve Racket' is a prosthetic ring transformed into a racket by means of handmade mesh using expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE Gore-Tex). After transection of the marginal chordae tendineae, five sheep had the new racket implanted in the mitral (n = 3) and in the tricuspid position (n = 2). The surviving sheep underwent postoperative evaluation.


RESULTS
After six months of operation, a standard transthoracic study showed competent valves without significant gradients and without residual valve regurgitation. The ring appeared encapsulated by a uniform fibrous tissue but the threads showed a completely denuded surface except in the zone proximal to the ring. Thrombi or calcification deposits in the ring, racket's mesh, or cardiac chamber were not observed.


CONCLUSIONS
This initial experience confirmed the efficacy and simplicity of the technique.
Bernal
José M
JM
Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Hospital Universitario Valdecilla, E-39008 Santander, Spain. ccabmj@humv.es
García
Iván
I
Morales
Dieter
D
Diago
Carmen
C
Ruiz
Blanca
B
Val
Fernando
F
Ojeda
José L
JL
Revuelta
José M
JM