by Mitral valve annuloplasty rings are medical devices that are surgically implanted to reshape the mitral valve annulus. The mitral valve annulus is the ring of tissue that forms the base of the mitral valve located between the left atrium and left ventricle of the heart. Mitral regurgitation, which occurs when the mitral valve does not close properly and allows blood to flow backward into the left atrium, is a common condition that annuloplasty rings are used to treat.
During mitral valve annuloplasty rings, the surgeon makes an incision in the heart and places a flexible ring around the mitral valve annulus. Different types of rings are available, including rigid or semi-rigid complete rings and partial rings. The size and type of ring used depends on each individual patient’s anatomy and condition. By reshaping the annulus with the implanted ring, the surgeon is able to improve leaflet coaptation and reduce mitral regurgitation.
Types Of Mitral Valve Annuloplasty Rings
There are several different types of annuloplasty rings that may be used during mitral valve surgery:
– Complete Rings: Complete rings fully encircle the mitral valve annulus. Rigid complete rings provide stable structural support but do not allow for annular flexibility. Semirigid or flexible complete rings allow some movement of the annulus.
– Partial Rings: Partial rings only cover part of the annulus, usually the posterior aspect. They provide more physiological motion of the annulus compared to complete rings.
– Adjustable Rings: Adjustable rings allow the surgeon to modify the ring size during surgery for a more customized fit. The shape and size can be adjusted as needed.
– Biological Rings: Biological rings are constructed of perishable material like bovine or porcine tissue. They degrade and are replaced by the patient’s own tissue over time.
– Durabile Rings: Durabile rings are made of non-perishable materails like carbide alloy or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). They do not degrade and provide permanent correction of the annulus.
The type of annuloplasty ring used is based on each individual patient’s needs, valve anatomy, age, tissue quality, and lifestyle. Rings are tailored to optimize repair durability while preserving annular dynamics.
Surgical Technique For Mitral Valve Annuloplasty
The general steps for mitral valve annuloplasty surgery with a ring are:
- The sternum is sawed down the middle to open the chest cavity and expose the heart.
- Cardiopulmonary bypass is established to circulate the patient’s blood and take over heart and lung function during surgery.
- The heart is stopped by giving cardioplegic solution to paralyze the heart muscles.
- An incision is made in the heart expose the mitral valve. Any leaflet pathology is addressed by repair or replacement.
- Sizing rings of varying diameters are used to determine the best fit for the patient’s annulus. Adjustable rings are modified as needed.
- The annuloplasty ring is secured into the annulus with interrupted sutures placed along the entire annulus circumference.
- The ring is assessed to ensure adequate leaflet coaptation and reduction of mitral regurgitation.
- The heart is restarted and weaned off bypass after closing all incisions.
- The sternum and chest wall are closed to complete the surgery.
Benefits Of Mitral Valve Annuloplasty
Annuloplasty rings have been shown to significantly improve surgical outcomes for mitral regurgitation when compared to valve repair without a ring. Some of the key benefits include:
– Reduced Mitral Regurgitation: Properly sizing and placing a ring around the annulus improves leaflet coaptation to decrease or eliminate valve leakage.
– Increased Durability of Repair: Rings provide stable, permanent support to maintain a competent valve repair for many years after surgery.
– Preserved Valve Anatomy: The mitral apparatus is left largely intact, avoiding a replacement and its life-long anticoagulation needs.
– Improved Symptoms and Survival: Reduced regurgitation results in improved heart function, functional status, quality of life, and longer survival.
– Lower Operative Risk: More simpler repairs using a ring carry lower risks than complex edge-to-edge techniques alone.
The mitral valve annuloplasty rings are a routine and integral part of mitral valve repair surgery. By reshaping the mitral annulus, rings facilitate durable and long-lasting corrections of mitral regurgitation for improved patient outcomes.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
About Author - Vaagisha Singh
Vaagisha brings over three years of expertise as a content editor in the market research domain. Originally a creative writer, she discovered her passion for editing, combining her flair for writing with a meticulous eye for detail. Her ability to craft and refine compelling content makes her an invaluable asset in delivering polished and engaging write-ups. LinkedIn
