Robotic Mitral Valve Repairs Requiring Reoperations

Abstract

Objective

Robotic mitral valve (MV) repairs are performed at many institutions. Repair failures have been attributed to the challenging technology and potentially to the use of annuloplasty band anchoring U-clips. The purpose of this study was to characterize causes of robotic MV repair failure.

Methods

A total of 300 patients underwent a da Vinci robotic MV repair between May 2000 and November 2006 by a single operating console surgeon. Standard repair techniques and a Cosgrove annuloplasty band were used in every case. Clinical data in patients requiring a reoperation, as well as videos of their original operation, were reviewed. MV pathology, repair methods, and findings at reoperation were determined.

Results

Sixteen (5.3%) patients required reoperation. Seven (7%) failures occurred in the first 100 cases and 9 (4.5%) in the last 200 cases. Initial MV pathology included isolated anterior (n = 4) or posterior leaflet prolapse (n = 6), bileaflet prolapse (n = 3), and annular dilation (n = 3). Reoperations after their initial operation were required early (<6 months) in 8 patients and later in 8 patients. Reasons for reoperation included CHF (n = 9), hemolysis (n = 4), systolic anterior leaflet motion (n = 2), and endocarditis (n = 1). At reoperation, 7 patients had partial dehiscence of the annuloplasty band. The incidence of band dehiscence was not associated with the use of U-clips and decreased with experience.

Conclusions

Reoperative rates seemed to decrease with increased case volume and surgeon's experience. Repair results using robotic techniques are similar to conventional techniques. The use of U-clips is not associated with a higher reoperation rate.