Augmentation of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve.

The augmentation of mitral valve leaflets is mostly needed in rheumatic valve disease patients. The technical aspects of augmentation of the posterior leaflet by means of an autologous pericardial patch are described: the thickened and semi-rigid posterior leaflet is detached from the posterior annulus from commissure to commissure and augmented by an onlay patch of autologous pericardium which is incorporated using a continuous stitch-locked at each step-of Prolene or Pronova 5/0. The pitfall 'aortic cusp effect in diastole' is described as well as tips to prevent it.