Ventricular Function Following Mitral Valve Replacement

A prospective analysis was performed to identify the independent risk factors for perioperative morbidity and mortality after mitral valve replacement in 214 patients. Mitral regurgitation, tricuspid regurgitation, concomitant coronary artery disease, and symptoms at rest independently predicted the operative results. Nuclear ventriculography was employed to evaluate postoperative ventricular function at rest and in response to exercise, accounting for differences in preload and afterload. Preservation of the continuity between the papillary muscles and the mitral annulus during mitral valve replacement for mitral regurgitation improved postoperative ventricular function in this high-risk subgroup.