Mid-term Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Repair Using Valve-Preserving Techniques for Severe Mitral Regurgitation due to Barlow’s Disease

Abstract

Introduction: Barlow’s disease is a form of degenerative mitral valve disease characterized by lesions involving multiple scallops of the mitral leaflets, making surgical repair technically complex and challenging. In such cases, mitral valve repair using valve-preserving techniques through a minimally invasive approach offers several advantages for patients. However, data regarding the mid-term outcomes of minimally invasive mitral valve repair using valve-preserving techniques in Barlow’s disease remain limited. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate these outcomes.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study included all patients with severe mitral regurgitation due to Barlow’s disease who underwent minimally invasive mitral valve repair using valve-preserving techniques at the University Medical Center Ho Chi Minh City from 2020 to 2024. Patients were followed up continuously for a period ranging from 6 months to 5 years.

Results: A total of 26 patients with severe mitral regurgitation due to Barlow’s disease underwent minimally invasive mitral valve repair using valve-preserving techniques. The mean follow-up duration was 29.9 ± 19.8 months. During follow-up, no mortality or reoperation was observed. Three patients (11.5%) developed moderate mitral regurgitation, while the remaining patients had either no regurgitation or only mild mitral regurgitation.

Conclusion: Minimally invasive mitral valve repair for Barlow’s disease using valve-preserving techniques demonstrated favorable mid-term outcomes, with a low rate of recurrent moderate or greater mitral regurgitation and no cases requiring reoperation.