title: "Z-plasty suture": a new procedure for complex reconstructions of posterior mitral leaflet.
abstract: In recent years the conservative techniques to treat degenerative mitral valve insufficiency have developed to such an extent mainly due to a better understanding of the physiology and pathology of the mitral valve and to the possibility to get predictable and satisfactory results. Still a challenge persists for the cardiac surgeon when he has to deal with complex reconstructions. The technique described seems to offer an even better surgical option for patients with complex lesions involving the posterior mitral leaflet, especially as far as the hemodynamic performance is concerned.
authors.affiliation: General Cardiac Surgery Department, Monaldi Hospital, University of Naples II, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Renato
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bellitti
authors.forename: Pasquale
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Santé
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Dialetto
authors.forename: Franco E
authors.initials: FE
authors.lastname: Covino
authors.forename: Diana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Iarussi
authors.forename: Gaetana
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Messina
authors.forename: Lucio
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Maresca
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017548:Echocardiography, Transesophageal; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008943:Mitral Valve / Q000601:surgery*; D008944:Mitral Valve Insufficiency / Q000601:surgery*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*