Triangular resection for posterior mitral prolapse: rationale for a simpler repair.

Patients with mitral regurgitation caused by posterior leaflet prolapse are ideal candidates for valve repair, yet all too often these patients receive prosthetic replacement. Surgeon discomfort with available repair techniques is often cited as the reason for this suboptimal result. The dissemination of simpler repair techniques might increase the proportion of patients receiving mitral valve repair rather than replacement. Triangular posterior leaflet resection is an easy, effective and durable method for correcting posterior leaflet prolapse. The combination of triangular resection and annuloplasty is an excellent option for mitral valve repair in most patients with posterior leaflet prolapse.