Long-term results of edge-to-edge and neochordal mitral repair for isolated anterior leaflet lesion: a propensity match analysis

OBJECTIVES: Mitral regurgitation due to anterior mitral leaflet lesions is associated with an increased risk of MR recurrence after mitral valve repair compared with posterior leaflet-related lesions. Both edge-to-edge and neochordal repair, associated with ring annuloplasty, have been used in our Institution to address isolated anterior mitral leaflet lesions. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and echocardiographic long-term results of those two approaches for isolated anterior mitral leaflet lesions by means of a propensity match analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An institutional database retrospective review within the time-frame 2000 to 2021 was carried out. Kaplan-Meier method and cumulative incidence function were employed. Cox regression was employed to identify the risk factor for mortality during the follow-up. RESULTS: The estimated freedom from reoperative mitral valve surgery at 20 years was 78% in the E-to-E group and 64% in the neochordae group (p = 0.032). The longitudinal analysis performed to analyze the MR recurrence rate showed a higher rate of mitral regurgitation = 3+ recurrence in the neochordae group at 5 (5.1% vs 8.7%) -10 (8.2% vs 13.2%) and 15 years (8.8% vs 16.5%) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Isolated anterior leaflet pathology can be effectively treated with edge-to-edge or neochordal repair and ring annuloplasty. In our series, clinical and echocardiographic results were better in edge-to-edge group. The excellent durability of this technique up to 20 years of follow-up, together with its simplicity and reproducibility, confirms the role the edge-to-edge techniques as an excellent treatment option for severe mitral regurgitation due anterior mitral leaflets lesions.