The spectrum of mitral valve pathologies: relevance for surgical and structural interventions

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The mitral valve apparatus, both functionally and morphologically is composed of a constellation of individual structures, including the annulus, anterior and posterior leaflets, chordae tendineae, and papillary muscles. Most also include the left ventricular wall and the left atrium which are essential for the valve to function normally.

Areas covered: The commonest conditions responsible for mitral valve dysfunction in the Western World are degenerative and functional mitral regurgitation, which are discussed in detail. Treatment strategies in patients at high surgical risk are rapidly evolving, as more options for transcatheter mitral valve repair and replacement become available.

Expert commentary: Although surgery remains the gold standard, many elderly patients with severe comorbidities need intervention as surgery may no longer be an option. Today, transcatheter mitral valve therapies are in their infancy but with advances in technology they will likely become tomorrow’s therapy. The heart team plays an important role, discussing and addressing individualized strategies for each patient. However, a thorough knowledge and the understanding of mitral valve anatomy, pathology, and clinical assessment is mandatory in order to choose the best treatment possible.

KEYWORDS:

• Mitral valve
• mitral valve stenosis
• mitral valve regurgitation
• primary MR
• degenerative MR
• functional MR
• mitral valve repair
• mitral valve replacement
• Transcatheter mitral valve repair
• MitraClip
• transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR)

Declaration of interest

S. Torii receives honoraria from Abbott Vascular Japan and Terumo Corporation, and research grants from SUNRISE lab. R. Virmani and A.V. Finn have received institutional research support from Abbott Vascular, BioSensors International, Biotronik, Boston Scientific, Medtronic, MicroPort Medical, OrbusNeich Medical, SINO Medical Technology, and Terumo Corporation; R. Virmani has speaking engagements with Merck; receives honoraria from Abbott Vascular, Boston Scientific, Lutonix, Medtronic, and Terumo Corporation; and is a consultant for 480 Biomedical, Abbott Vascular, Medtronic, and W.L. Gore. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded.