Mitral/systemic atrioventricular valve repair in congenital heart disease.

Because there is no ideal substitute for the mitral or the systemic atrioventricular valve (SAVV) in a patient of any age, repair is the optimal treatment for important congenital or acquired mitral/SAVV disease. Valve repair techniques have evolved to the point where early repair may be offered to asymptomatic patients with favorable anatomy. The indications for operation depend on the presence or absence of symptoms and the physiologic consequences of mitral/SAVV pathology. Concomitant arrhythmia surgery may be appropriate in selected cases. Surgical outcomes are good to excellent when appropriate techniques are used. Repair of congenital SAVV abnormalities is safe and durable in many patients.