Ex Vivo Biomechanical Study of Apical Versus Papillary Neochord Anchoring for Mitral Regurgitation.

BACKGROUND: Neochordoplasty is an important repair technique, but optimal anchoring position is unknown. Although typically anchored at papillary muscles, new percutaneous devices anchor the neochordae at or near the ventricular apex, which may have an effect on chordal forces and the long-term durability of the repair.
METHODS: Porcine mitral valves (n = 6) were mounted in a left heart simulator that generates physiologic pressure and flow through the valves, and chordal forces were measured with Fiber Bragg Grating strain gauge sensors. Isolated mitral regurgitation was induced by cutting P2 primary chordae, and the regurgitant valve was repaired with polytetrafluoroethylene neochord with apical anchoring, followed by papillary muscle fixation for comparison. In both situations, the neochord was anchored to a customized force-sensing post positioned to mimic the relevant in vivo placement.
RESULTS: Echocardiographic and hemodynamic data confirmed that the repairs restored physiologic hemodynamics. Forces on the chordae and neochord were lower for papillary fixation than for the apical fixation (p = 0.003). In addition, the maximum rate of change of force on the chordae and neochordae was higher for apical fixation than for papillary fixation (p = 0.028).
CONCLUSIONS: Apical neochord anchoring results in effective repair of mitral regurgitation, albeit with somewhat higher forces on the chordae and neochord suture, as well as an increased rate of loading on the neochord compared with the papillary muscle fixation. These results may guide strategies to reduce stresses on neochordae as well as aid optimal patient selection.