New developments in mitral valve repair.

The etiology of mitral valve disease is changing. The predominance of rheumatic pathology has given way to degenerative pathology in an increasingly elderly population. Mitral valve conservation by repair rather than replacement has several advantages. Repair is associated with a lower incidence of thromboembolism, hemolysis, and infectious endocarditis. For patients in sinus rhythm, thromboembolism is rare and anticoagulation can be discontinued. Repair also is associated with improved long-term survival. This article reviews the current literature on different types of surgical techniques for repair of the mitral valve and discusses future trends.