Surgical intervention for ischemic mitral regurgitation: how can we achieve better outcomes?

Ischemic mitral regurgitation (MR) is a common complication of myocardial infarction. Left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and distortion of the subvalvular apparatus are the main contributors to ischemic MR. Coronary artery bypass grafting alone, mitral valve replacement, and mitral valve repair, with or without subvalvular procedures, have been performed for moderate-to-severe ischemic MR. Several randomized studies on the surgical treatment of ischemic MR have been performed; however, the optimal surgical strategy remains controversial because none have demonstrated a clear survival benefit. Since the mechanisms of ischemic MR are complex and multifactorial, comprehensive preoperative assessment of LV function and geometry (both global and regional), mitral valve configuration, viability testing, and exercise echocardiography are needed. A better understanding of this complicated disease and of the advantages and limitations of each procedure may help us devise more effective patient-specific surgical treatment strategies and achieve better outcomes.