Longitudinal plication of the posterior leaflet in myxomatous disease of the mitral valve.

In selected cases, resection of a prolapsing scallop of the posterior leaflet (generally P2) is not advisable because of the excessive length of insertion of the scallop. In such cases, insertion of artificial chordae is advisable, but the height of the scallop needs to be reduced. We used longitudinal plication of the scallop(s) in which the height was excessive with "U" sutures in 11 consecutive patients. Early and intermediate echocardiographic results were fully satisfying, and we expect that the morphologic aspect of the repaired mitral valve will remain stable after a longer follow-up.