Use of an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene patch as an artificial leaflet in mitral valve plasty: an early experience.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the usefulness of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) patches as artificial mitral leaflets in complex mitral valve plasty. 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. 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 cm(2) at last follow-up. The PTFE patches may be a promising material for artificial mitral leaflets.