Simple, safe and easy technique to ensure the correct length of artificial chordae in mitral valve repair.

Abstract

Replacement of diseased chordae with Gore-Tex sutures (W. L. Gore & Assoc, Flagstaff, AZ) in patients with degenerative mitral valve insufficiency has become a standard technique used by surgeons in mitral valve repair with good long-term results. Nevertheless, determining the correct length of the artificial chordae has remained problematic. Although various procedures have been previously published, in this article we describe our approach used to achieve an accurate chordal height adjustment.