title: The folding leaflet: a simple method for neochordal repair.
abstract: We present a simple technique for facilitating accurate polytetrafluoroethylene chordal height adjustment in surgical repair of myxomatous mitral valve disease. This approach is based on the annulus as the reference level. The artificial chordae are first fixed to the corresponding papillary muscle. Each chordal pair is then attached to the free edge of the prolapsed leaflet, and subsequently, the leaflet edge is also attached to the adjacent annulus by temporary fixing sutures. As a result, the leaflet is gently folded. Finally, the polytetrafluoroethylene suture is knotted during proper apposition of the free edge of the leaflet to the annulus.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiac Surgery, University General Hospital of Valencia, Valencia, Spain. rgfuster@terra.com
authors.forename: Rafael
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: García-Fuster
authors.forename: Oscar
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Gil
authors.forename: Alejandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vazquez
authors.forename: Aritz
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: García
authors.forename: Juan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Martínez-León
mesh_terms: D002815:Chordae Tendineae / Q000601:surgery*; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis; D019918:Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008943:Mitral Valve / Q000601:surgery; D008945:Mitral Valve Prolapse / Q000601:surgery*; D010210:Papillary Muscles / Q000601:surgery; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene / Q000494:pharmacology; D011379:Prognosis; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013718:Tensile Strength; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene