Abstract

Abstract Background. In recent years, mitral valve reconstructive techniques have become an increasingly preferential alternative to replacement. The purpose of this study was to evaluate short‐term and long‐term outcomes associated with mitral valve repair. Methods. This study involved 99 patients who had mitral valve repair for mitral regurgitation from January 1990 to June 1996. Short‐term and long‐term outcomes evaluated included mortality, clinical complications, readmissions, valve deterioration, reoperation, thromboembolism, endocarditis, functional heart class, and health perception. Results. Overall mortality was 18%, which included 11 operative deaths and 7 late deaths. Ischemic valve disease and NYHA class III and IV were significant predictors of early and late mortality. Overall 5‐year survival was 79%. Freedom from all valve‐related morbid events was 90% at 5 years. Conclusions. Functional heart class and etiology of valve disease are the most important indicators of overall survival and morbidity. Transesophageal echocardiography should be used to evaluate the adequacy of repair.