Early bioprosthetic valve failure caused by preserved native mitral valve leaflets.

The importance of preservation of subvalvular apparatus and valve-ventricular continuity during mitral valve replacement (MVR) has been suggested for many years. The chordal-sparing MVR has been shown to be superior to the standard MVR with chordal resection in terms of improved left ventricular function and has been considered to be a safe procedure. However, we encounter a rare case requiring early reoperation for bioprosthetic valve failure caused by preserved leaflets after chordal-sparing MVR.