Annular Dynamics and Leaflet Geometry in Patch Reconstruction of the Posterior Mitral Leaflet After Adding a Flexible Annuloplasty Ring

Purpose Patch reconstruction of the posterior mitral leaflet using small intestinal submucosa extracellular matrix has been successfully performed in a porcine study. The patch reconstruction, however, resulted in non-physiological systolic widening of the mitral annulus, suggesting the need for an annuloplasty ring. The objective was to characterize the impact on annular dynamics and leaflet geometry of adding a flexible annuloplasty ring to the posterior mitral leaflet patch reconstruction. Methods Measurements were performed in an acute 80-kg porcine model, with seven pigs acting as their own controls. The posterior mitral leaflet was reconstructed with a 2-ply small intestinal submucosa extracellular matrix patch (CorMatrix®). Additionally, a Simulus® Flexible Annuloplasty Ring (Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA) was inserted. Mitral annular dynamics were evaluated using sonomicrometry, and leaflet geometry was described using echocardiography. Results The annuloplasty ring reduced mitral annular dimensions and restricted cyclic changes in mitral annular area (126 ± 19 vs. 30 ± 13 mm 2 , p < 0.001), septal-lateral and commisure-commisure distances. Ring annuloplasty prevented systolic widening in the mitral annulus after posterior mitral leaflet reconstruction. The annular saddle shape and leaflet coaptation length (8.7 ± 2.3 vs. 9.7 ± 1.3 mm, p = 0.221) were comparable before and after ring insertion. Conclusions The flexible annuloplasty ring resulted in a downsized annulus with restriction of cyclic annular changes in the reconstructed mitral valve. Ring insertion preserved the annular saddle shape and coaptation length. The ring annuloplasty counteracted the non-physiological annular dynamics, and this may improve durability of the posterior mitral leaflet patch reconstruction.