Restoration of pliability to the mitral leaflets during reconstruction.

From July 1992 through February 1994, 34 patients have undergone a leaflet thinning procedure during reconstruction of the mitral valve. In this procedure a fibrous layer is separated from the atrial and/or ventricular surface of the anterior and posterior mitral leaflets. This reduces the thickness of the mitral leaflets and improves pliability and mobility. To our knowledge this procedure has not been reported previously.