A New Artificial Chordae Implantation Method in Mitral Valve Surgery

Abstract

A novel method is described for artificial chordae replacement with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene suture in mitral valve repair procedures. The technique does not involve knots over or beneath the free edge of the mitral valve leaflets. Artificial chords suspend the exact free margin of leaflets as if it were a continuation of the free margin, such that the smooth zone of the coapting area can be preserved. This technique is simple, reproducible, and applicable to both anterior and posterior leaflets. Moreover, the length of the artificial chords can be adjusted rapidly and accurately at the first attempt.