SYSTOLIC ANTERIOR MOTION
MV repair can be accomplished in almost all cases of degenerative MV insufficiency (Type 2 according to Carpentier classification). Different techniques have been described and many surgeons documented excellent long-term results with different reparative options. It is important, however, not to face every operation in the same way. When considering, for example, flail leaflet pathology, in young patients with redundant myxomatous degenerative mitral leaflets the type of repair should not be equal to elderly patients with fibro-elastic deficiency.
One of the reasons why these differences need to be considered is the possible occurrence of systolic anterior motion (SAM). SAM is a complication of MV repair in which an anterior dislocation of the anterior mitral leaflet during systole occurs leading to the obstruction of the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) and to mal-coaptation of the leaflets with varying degree of eccentric mitral regurgitation (directed towards the interatrial septum) [2]. The incidence of SAM following mitral valve repair varies from 1 to 10% according to different reports and definition used in the studies [3-4].
Avoiding SAM is one the goal of surgical repair of the MV. For this purpose, linking echocardiographic information to type of repair is essential. Preoperative trans-esophageal echocardiography (TEE) helps predicting the risk of postoperative SAM. Besides the usual data regarding the severity of regurgitation, the regurgitant jet origin and direction, the presence of a flail leaflet, and the annular dimensions, TEE must advice surgeons about the risk of SAM particularly when abundant redundancy of the leaflets, hypertrophic interventricular septum, and anterior dislocation of the coaptation line during systole are observed. A distance between the coaptation point and the septum in systole (C-Septum distance) inferior to 25 mm, that usually occurs when the height of the posterior leaflet exceeds 25 mm (particularly in the median scallop P2), has been associated with increased risk of SAM after repair [5] (Figure 1). This is a situation typically seen either in young patient with severe myxomatous disease, where the anterior/posterior leaflet ratio is close to 1, or in elderly patients with less abundant leaflet height but accentuated septum hypertrophy. The combination of a smaller LV end-systolic volume, lower ratio of anterior to posterior leaflets heights and presence of bileaflet prolapse are associated with high risk of SAM after separation from cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) [4].
In these cumbersome anatomical circumstances, goal of the correction has to create a coaptation line positioned posteriorly, towards the posterior annulus, having the anterior leaflet as much as possible extended in systole towards the posterior one. The height of the posterior leaflet needs to be reduced and this can be accomplished by resections of the prolapsing scallop (quadrangular, triangular or any kind of resection) and, in case of >25 mm leaflet, by detaching the remaining posterior scallops from the annulus according to the sliding plasty technique described by Alain Carpentier [6]. When the height of the posterior scallops is extreme (>30 mm) or when there is discrepancy between the height of the remaining scallops after resection and sliding, then shortening of the scallop can be performed by gently removing 5-10 mm of tissue from the posterior part of the scallop before suturing it back to the annulus. An alternative to resections and sliding plasty is to fold the posterior leaflet towards the posterior annulus with several stiches in order to reduce leaflet length and mobility [7].
Lately, the “respect rather than resect” concept has been applied in the treatment of the prolapsing posterior leaflet [8]. In this technique artificial chords (i.e., Gore-Tex®) are positioned from the papillary muscles to the free margin of the prolapsing leaflet. It is an excellent alternative to the resection technique. Both repairs for posterior mitral leaflet prolapse are associated with excellent results and appear comparable in the early postoperative course [9]. However, in an anatomical situation at risk of developing SAM following repair, the “loop technique” should be avoided because it would facilitate anterior displacement of the coaptation line and resection preferred instead.
Placing an annular ring is a key element for long-lasting mitral valve repair. In fact, in Type II degenerative mitral regurgitation the valve almost invariably takes a circumferential shape, and the ring serves to restore normal intercommissural and septo-lateral diameter recreating the normal elliptical shape. However, when the risk of SAM exists, the choice of the ring is crucial. Placing a small complete ring (<34 mm) in a large and redundant myxomatous valve may favor anterior displacement of the coaptation line leading to SAM. If the “loop technique” is preferred over resection of the prolapsing posterior scallop, then a large rather than small ring should be considered. The ring should have the only goal of recreating elliptical shape rather than forcing coaptation and with this in mind an open ring can also be used.
In most cases, SAM occurring in the operating room, observed when the patient has been weaned from CPB, can be successfully treated by increasing left ventricle filling volume with fluids, removing any inotropic drug used to come off bypass and by reducing heart rate with beta-blockers. Very seldom this strategy is insufficient, and decision needs to be taken to correct the anomaly. In this situation the surgeon faces difficult moments: the patient has already gone through a certain amount of time on CPB and cardioplegic arrest, another mitral repair attempt must be resolutive without the risk of another early failure and a third pump run. In this scenario surgeons can correct the problem using a larger ring, decreasing posterior leaflet height, or adding an Alfieri stich [4,10].