Predictors of Failure of Mitral Valve Repair Using Artificial Chordae

Background: We investigated predictors of failure of mitral valve repair (MVr) using expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) and its durability in the long term in a single institution. Methods: Four hundred twenty-one consecutive patients with primary mitral valve disease underwent MVr using artificial chordae (group A, n = 304) and suture repair (group S, n = 117) at our institution from January 2002 to April 2020. A comparison study was performed to examine the long-term outcomes, reoperation rate, and risk factors for reoperation. Results: One hospital death and 5 late deaths occurred in group S, and 20 late deaths occurred in group A. The reoperation rates were similar: group A, n = 8 (2.6%); and group S, n = 6 (5%). The major cause of reoperation was ruptured ePTFE (CV-4, n = 1; CV-5, n = 6) in group A, and suture rupture in group S. Reoperation was performed after a median of 88 months for ruptured ePTFE, and 26 months for group S. The rate of ePTFE rupture was 1.8% with CV-5 and 0.2% with CV-4. Risk factors for reoperation included postoperative arrhythmia, urgent operation, no annular ring, ruptured ePTFE, and suture rupture. The rates of freedom from reoperation and actuarial mitral valve survival rates at 5, 10, and 15 years were 99%, 95%, and 93% and 96%, 91%, and 89%, respectively, in group A; and 96%, 91%, and 91% and 95%, 94%, and 94%, respectively, in group S. Conclusions: The long-term surgical outcomes of MVr using both techniques were feasible. Over the long term, the ePTFE rupture rate of CV-5 was higher than that of CV-4.