Mitral Repair in Patients with Severely Calcified Annulus:
Feasibility, Surgery and Results
Roland Fasol MD, Katja Mahdjoobian MD, Elrina Joubert-Hubner

Thirty patients with severely calcified mitral annulus underwent repair surgery. Feasibility and follow up results of extensive decalcification were assessed. Follow up was 100%; mean follow up time was 3.2 ± 1.6 years (range: 4 months to 6 years). There was one early death and one late death (mortality 3%), but no instance of annulus dehiscence. Postoperative echocardiography showed satisfactory mitral function in all patients. At the time of follow up, 93% of patients were in NYHA functional class I or II. Results indicate that aggressive and complete annulus decalcification can be carried out safely with good results, which remain stable up to six years postoperatively.