Acute Mitral Valve Regurgitation Created in Sheep using
Echocardiographic Guidance
Karyn S. Kunzelman PhD, David T. Linker MD, Sadahiro Sai MD,
Carolyn Miyake-Hull BS, David Quick BS, Robert Thomas BA,
Christine Rothnie LVT, Richard P. Cochran MD

Six pilot sheep and five study sheep underwent creation of acute mitral valve regurgitation (MVR) by selective chordal disruption under echocardiographic guidance without cardiopulmonary bypass. This study demonstrates the feasibility of this new technique. Controlled degrees of MVR from grade 2-4+ can be created with minimal progression over time, and maintenance of normal ventricular function.