Mitral Valve Reserve in Double-Orifice Technique: An Exercise Echocardiographic Study
Eustachio Agricola MD, Francesco Maisano MD, Michele Oppizzi MD, Michele De Bonis MD, Lucia Torracca MD, Giovanni La Canna MD, Ottavio Alfieri MD

The double-orifice technique is used to restore valvular competence in complex anatomical lesions; the method is simple, reproducible, and has long-term efficacy. To address the controversy regarding the potential risk of postoperative functional mitral stenosis, an exercise echocardiographic study was carried out in 30 patients with double-orifice mitral valve repair and concomitant annuloplasty. The results showed physiological behavior of the mitral valve, and no important degree of mitral valve obstruction either at baseline or during physical exercise.