Three-year results of repaired Barlow mitral valves via right minithoracotomy versus median sternotomy in a randomized trial.
OBJECTIVE
To clarify whether the results of repair of a complex mitral lesion (Barlow valve) at the intermediate-term follow-up are independent of the mode of surgical access [minithoracotomy vs. median sternotomy (MS)].


METHODS
In a prospective randomized study of mitral repair for Barlow disease using either a minimally invasive (MI) approach or MS, we achieved an average follow-up of 3 years (echocardiography, physical examination and quality of life). Mitral repair was achieved with polytetrafluoroethylene chordal implantation for both leaflets.


RESULTS
Both groups included 80 patients. Mechanical ventilation time and intensive care unit and hospital stay were shorter in the MI group (p = 0.01, p = 0.013 and p = 0.02, respectively). During the follow-up, 5 patients in each group (6.25%) displayed mild mitral regurgitation, while 2 patients in each group (2.5%) developed recurrent regurgitation graded as at least moderate/severe. The rate of mitral reoperation was 2.5% in the MI group and 1.25% in the MS group (p = 0.9). The overall follow-up mortality was 3.75% in both the MI and the MS groups.


CONCLUSIONS
The 3-year results of repair of Barlow valves were satisfactory irrespective of the approach used to repair the valve. The advantages of MI surgery can be achieved in patients with mitral Barlow disease without concerns over the durability of repair.
Division of Cardiac Surgery, Anthea Hospital, GVM Care and Research, Bari, Italy.
Giuseppe
G
Nasso
Raffaele
R
Bonifazi
Vito
V
Romano
Francesco
F
Bartolomucci
Giuseppe
G
Rosano
Francesco
F
Massari
Khalil
K
Fattouch
Giuseppe
G
Del Prete
Graziano
G
Riccioni
Mauro
M
Del Giglio
Giuseppe
G
Speziale
D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D040181:Genetic Diseases, X-Linked / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008943:Mitral Valve; D008944:Mitral Valve Insufficiency / Q000601:surgery*; D008945:Mitral Valve Prolapse / Q000601:surgery; D008946:Mitral Valve Stenosis / Q000601:surgery*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D056346:Sternotomy / Q000379:methods*; D013908:Thoracotomy / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome