Use of an Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene Patch as an Artificial Leaflet in Mitral Valve Plasty: An Early Experience

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the usefulness of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) patches as artificial mitral leaflets in complex mitral valve plasty. Description: Nineteen patients (mean age, 66 ± 9 years) who were in need of mitral valve replacement successfully underwent mitral valve plasty with enlargement of the basal anterior leaflet using a PTFE patch. Evaluation: Operative and in-hospital mortality was 0%. Patients were followed-up by maintaining their history, physical examinations, and echocardiography. The mean follow-up period was 30 ± 15 months (2 to 52 months) with one late mortality and one reoperation. A thin neointimal layer was observed on the explanted PTFE patch. The PTFE patch maintained its pliability with no signs of calcification, excessive thickening, or perforation for 4 years. Mean motion angle of the patch on echocardiography decreased from 41.1 ± 10.6 to 35.2 ± 12.5 degrees (p < 0.05) during 26.7 ± 15.5 months of study (range, 6-46 months). The mean mitral valve area was 2.9 ± 0.7 cm² at last follow-up. Conclusions: The PTFE patches may be a promising material for artificial mitral leaflets.