Development of off-pump mitral valve replacement in a porcine model.

PURPOSE: We describe our initial experience with on-bypass and off-bypass (off-pump) mitral valve replacement with the modified version of our novel catheter-based sutureless mitral valve (SMV) technology, which was developed to atraumatically anchor and seal in the mitral position.

DESCRIPTION: The SMV is a self-expanding device consisting of a custom designed nitinol framework and a pericardial leaflet valve mechanism. For the current studies, our original device was modified (SMV2) to reduce the delivery profile and to allow for controlled deployment while still maintaining the key principles necessary for atraumatic anchoring and sealing in the mitral valve position.

EVALUATION: Ten Yorkshire pigs underwent successful SMV2 device implantation through a left atriotomy (on-pump, n = 6; off-pump, n = 4). Echocardiography and angiography revealed excellent left ventricular systolic function, no significant perivalvular leak, no mitral valve stenosis, no left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, and no aortic valve insufficiency. Postmortem examination demonstrated that the SMV2 devices were anchored securely.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates the feasibility and short-term success of off-pump mitral valve replacement using a novel, catheter-based device in a porcine model.