Prognostic Role of Preoperative Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion (TAPSE) in Mitral Valve Replacement (MVR) for Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis Patients

Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion has been proposed as a simple and reproducible parameter for quantitative assessment of the right ventricular ejection fraction. The prognostic importance of preoperative TAPSE in patients with mitral valve replacement for rheumatic mitral stenosis patients is still under focused. Therefore, the objective of the study was to predict the outcome after MVR in rheumatic mitral stenosis patients in relation to preoperative TAPSE. This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Cardiac Surgery, National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute. A total of 72 patients of rheumatic mitral stenosis patients who underwent mitral valve replacement were included in the study. They were divided into two groups: Group A and B. Group A included 36 patients with TAPSE 0.05) except for the preoperative TAPSE. Mean TAPSE of Group A was 13.17 (±1.40) and Group B was 18.61 (±1.57), the difference was statistically significant (p 0.05). Among the postoperative complications, including postoperative atrial fibrillation was higher in Group A (30.56%) than Group B (11.11%), mean ventilation time was higher in Group A (27.78%) than Group B (5.56%), length of intensive care was higher in Group A (33.33%) than Group B (11.12%), and hospital stay was higher in Group A (25.0%) than Group B (5.56%), (p < 0.05). Higher preoperative TASPE could be used as a prognostic tool for MVR in rheumatic mitral stenosis patients in our settings.

Anticoagulation early after mechanical heart valve replacement

Objective： To explore the changes of coagulation activity and the characters of anticoagulation early after mechanical heart valve replacement. Methods： All patients only took warfarin orally for anticoagulation. The predicted international normalized ratio （INR） was 1.5 to 2.0. Several coagulation markers were monitored early after valve replacement. Complications associated with anticoagulation were recorded and analyzed. The patients were divided into three groups based on the number and position of mechanical valve prothesis, including group M （mitral valve replacement）, group A （aortic valve replacement） and group D （mitral and aortic valve replacement）.Comparison was made between the three groups. Results： Three events of mild cerebral embolism and five events of mild bleeding occurred during the early postoperative period. One patient suffered from mild cerebral embolism on the 4th day after operation, accompanied by large volume of pericardial drainage. Two patients with bleeding had lower INRs than predicted range. However, INR in one patient with mild cerebral embolism was in the predicted range. There was no significant difference in thrombo time （TT）, activated partial thromboplastin time （APTT） and 1NR on the 3rd day after operation compared to those before operation; meanwhile, plasma fibrinogen （FIB） concentration was higher than that before operation （P〈0.05）. 1NR had no significant changes on the 2nd day after the beginning of anticoagulation compared to that before operation; however, 1NR was significantly elevated on the 4th day （P〈0.05）. Warfarin doses and INRs were similar among the three groups, but FIB concentrations in plasma were higher in groups M and D than in group A （P〈0.01）. Conclusion： Hypercoagulabale state exists early after mechanical heart valve replacement. When anticoagulation begins is determined by the change of coagulation markers, not by the volume of chest or pericardial drainage. INR can not accurately reflect the coagulation state sometimes, especially during the first 3 days after anticoagulation. The number and position of mechanical valve prothesis could affect coagulation state. Therefore, anticoagulation therapy should be regulated accordingly.

Effect of L-carnitine on Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis and Cardiac Function in Patients Undergoing Heart Valve Replacement Operation

Summary： The effects of L-carnitine, as an ingredient of cardioplegia solution, on cardiac function and cardiomyocyte apoptosis in patients undergoing heart valve replacement operation were investigated. Twenty-three cases undergoing heart valve replacement with cardiopulmonary bypass （CPB） were randomly allocated into two groups： L-carnitine group （n=12, 12 g/L L-carnitine was put in the ST. Thomas cardioplegia） and control group （n=11, identical to the L-carnitine group except that normal saline was administered instead of L-carnitine）. Serum cardial troponin I （cTnI） levels, the left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF）, and cardiac index （CI） were measured perioperatively. A bit of myocardial tissue obtained from right atria was taken before CPB and by the end of intracardiac procedure to undergo electron microscopy examination and estimate apoptosis by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling （TUNEL）. From the end of CPB to 3 days after operation, the serum levels of cTnI in the L-carnitine group was significantly lower than that in the control group （P〈0.05）. Heart color ultrasonogram showed that the CI index and LVEF at 7th day postoperatively in the L-carnitine group were significantly higher than in the control group （P〈0.05）. Compared to the control group, L-carnitine significantly alleviated the morphologic changes of cardiac muscle cells （electron microscopy examination） and decreased the amounts of apoptotic cardiac muscle cells （TUNEL）. Furthermore, the dosage of vasoactive drugs used after operation was significantly less in the L-carnitine group （P〈0.01）. It was concluded that L-carnitine cardioplegia solution could improve cardiac function in patients undergoing heart valve replacement operation and alleviate CPB-mediated apoptosis of cardiac muscle cells.

Univariate Risk Factors for Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation in Patients Undergoing Prosthetic Heart Valves Replacement Surgery

Data from 736 patients undergoing prosthetic heart valve replacement surgery and concomitant surgery （combined surgery） from January 1998 to January 2004 at Union Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Univariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identity risk factors for prolonged mechanical ventilation. The results showed that prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass duration, prolonged aortic cross clamp time and low ejection fraction less than 50 percent （50 %） were found to be independent predictors for prolonged mechanical ventilation. Meanwhile age, weight, and preoperative hospital stay （days） were not found to be associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation. It was concluded that. for age and weight, this might be due to the lower number of old age patients （70 years and above） included in our study and genetic body structure of majority Chinese population that favor them to be in normal weight, respectively.

Successful minimal approach transcatheter aortic valve replacement in an allograft heart recipient 19 years post transplantation for severe aortic stenosis: A case report

BACKGROUND Aortic stenosis is one of the rare valvular complications in a transplanted heart.Over the past 8 years,transcatheter approach for aortic valve replacement(TAVR)has been slowly evolving to be the preferred approach in these patient population when compared to the surgical approach.We report a second case in the United States with successful transfemoral minimal approach with minimal sedation for TAVR in a heart transplant recipient 19 years post transplantation for severe symptomatic calcified aortic stenosis.CASE SUMMARY We present a case of 73-year-old male who has undergone successful minimal approach transcatheter aortic valve replacement in an allograft heart.Patient had received orthotopic heart transplantation 19 years ago for non-ischemic cardiomyopathy.Follow up transthoracic echocardiograms as per routine protocol did not show any aortic valve disease until 15 years post transplantation.Aortic valve was noted to be mildly sclerotic at that time and gradually progressed to severe symptomatic aortic stenosis over the next 4 years.Patient had complaints of worsening shortness of breath that limited his functional capacity.Overall his post heart transplantation period has been mostly uneventful except for allograft non occlusive vasculopathy and aortic stenosis.His Society of Thoracic Surgery risk score was 12.205%and he was considered to be a high-risk surgical candidate by surgeon.Decision was made to undergo transcatheter aortic valve replacement.CONCLUSION With the improved survival of these patients,we think it is time to look intopathophysiology of valvular disease in transplant heart recipients.Some other unanswered questions include,underlying donor and recipient risk factors for valvular diseases in heart transplant recipients.

VALVE REPLACEMENT WITH BILEAFLET HEART VALVE PROSTHESIS: FOLLOW-UP OF 170 CASES

From Feb. 1989 to May 1996, 170 patients underwent valve replacement with bileaflet heart valve prosthesis. There were 13 early deaths (mortality of 7-65% ), and 6 late deaths. The Preoperative cardiac function (NYHA) was grade Ⅱ in 96 cases, Ⅳ in 35 cases and Ⅲ to Ⅳ in 77. 1%.Follow-up of the survivors from 3 to 87 (average 39) months showed that most of them could do light and moderate physical labor, and cardiac function was restored to grade Ⅰ～ Ⅱ in 96. 4%. Anti-coagulating bleeding is a common complicaion. However, severe embolism and valve dysfunction had not been found- The authors analysed the causes of death and follow-up data, then emphasized that it was necessary that valve replacement be performed as early as possible, and bileaflet heart valve substitute was the best choice. Furthermore, therapy of little dose anti-coagulating drug(warfarin 1.5～3- 0mg/d) is safe and dependable to most of the patients.

Body-temperature circadian rhythm in 67 patients after heart valve replacement surgery secondary to valvular heart disease

Purpose:Patient body temperature was monitored after cardiac valve replacement,in order to explore the characteristics of body-temperature circadian rhythm and the factors influencing that rhythm.Methods:A cohort of 67 patients who received cardiac valve replacement in a Fuzhou,Fujian province,China,general hospital underwent temperature measurements and analysis(by cosine curve)of their body-temperature circadian rhythm.A biological rhythm model was established through principal component analysis and evaluation of biological rhythm features.Multiple circadian parameters were included through linear regression analysis.Results:Patients’temperature after cardiac valve replacement exhibited circadian characteristics(p<0.05),among which the scores of temperature mesor,amplitude,and acrophase were respectively(37.61
0.08),(0.10
0.09),and33(e355,e119).Body-temperature rhythms were influenced by both gender and cardiopulmonary bypass time(p<0.05).Conclusion:Although some patients’circadian characteristics disappeared after cardiac valve replacement,circadian rhythms remained intact for most patients.Measures that were found to mitigate body-temperature circadian rhythm disruption included building a natural rhythm of light/darkness and decreasing cardiopulmonary bypass time.

Experience of valve replacement under mild hypothermia on pump-beating heart: an analysis of 800 cases

Objective: To assess the outcome of valve replacement under mild hypothermia on pump-beating heart and to discuss the risk factors of cardiac valve surgery. Methods: In the period from November 1997 to May 2003, a total of 800 cases of valve replacement were carried out in our institute. The clinical data were reviewed and the technique of mild hypothermia and pump-beating heart to replace cardiac valve was described in detail. Results: 800 patients, 308 male and 492 female, with age range from 8 to 66 years, weighing 19 to 88 kg, underwent operation. The average cardiopulmonary bypass time was (109.38± 40.64) min, the average clamping time of the vena cava was (77.87±27.99) min and the average mechanical ventilation time was (17.78±12.21) h. There were 17 patients died in the early postoperative stage with an early mortality rate of 2.13%. The causes of death were failure in the weaning of extracorporeal circulation in 2 cases, severe low output syndrome in 3 cases, ventricular fibrillation in 3 cases, obstruction of coronary ostium of mechanical prosthetic valve in 1 case, hepatic failure in 2 cases, pulmonary failure in 1 case, multiorgan failure in 4 cases, and prosthetic valve dysfunction in 1 case. Severe postopertive complications occurred in 51 cases (6.375%), which included reexploration because of excessive bleeding in 16 cases (2.0%), lavage of poststernal infection in 2 cases (0.25%), postoperative strike in 7 cases (0.875%), pulmonary failure in 5 cases (0.625%), hepatic failure in 4 cases (0.5%), multiorgan failure in 11 cases (1.375%), ventricular arrhythmia in 5 cases (0.625%) and peripheral circulation failure in 1 case (0.125%). Conclusion: Mild hypothermia and pump-beating heart result in satisfying clinical outcome in patients undergoing valve replacement. The integrated sequenced deairing procedure ensures the avoidance of air embolism during operation. Pump-beating heart technique offers a safe and practical option especially in patients with severe critical valvular disorder.

Role of thrombus precursor protein in assessment of anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation after mechanical heart valve replacement

Objective: To explore the role of thrombus precursor protein (TpP) in assessment of anticoagulation and predict the risk of thromboembolism in the patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) after mechanical heart valve replacement. Methods: TpP plasma concentration and international normalization ratio (INR) were measured in 45 patients with atrial fibrillation and 45 patients with sinus rhythm both after mechanical heart valve replacement. Twenty patients with non valvular heart diseases were selected as the control. Furthermore, the patients with AF were divided into groups based on different TpP plasma concentration and TpP plasma concentration and INR were analyzed. Results: After mechanical heart valve replacement, those with AF had higher TpP plasma concentration than those with sinus rhythm. It was found that discordancy existed between INR and TpP plasma concentration in the patients with AF. There were 28 AF patients with TpP plasma concentration lower than 6 μg/ml and without bleeding, who might be at the optimal anticoagulant state. The 95% confidence of the mean INR value was 1.90-2.30 in these patients and TpP plasma concentration was between 2.84-5.74 μg/ml. Conclusion: Patients with AF might face higher risk of thromboembolism after mechanical valve replacement; INR between 1.90-2.30 and TpP plasma concentration between 2.84-6 μg/ml might be the optimal anticoagulant range for patients with AF after mechanical valve replacement.

Effect of Psychological Nursing on the Mental State and Quality of Life of Patients After Heart Valve Replacement for Rheumatic Heart Disease

Objective:To explore the effect of psychological nursing on the mental state and quality of life of patients after heart valve replacement for rheumatic heart disease.Methods:Seventy-four patients with rheumatic heart disease that underwent heart valve replacement in Zhenjiang First People's Hospital from January 2017 to May 2020 were selected as the research subjects.Thirty-seven patients that were treated from January 2017 to September 2018 were included in the control group.Routine care was provided for the patients in the control group.From October 2018 to May 2020,the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery improved their preoperative and postoperative psychological care.Thirty-seven patients that were treated during this period were included in the research group.The research group received psychological nursing care in addition to routine care.The efiects of different nursing modes on the quality of life and postoperative mental state of the patients were determined.Results:The scores for depression,anxiety,somatization,and compulsion in the research group were significantly lower than those in the control group(p<0.05);the scores for the quality of life of patients in the research group were significantly higher than those in the control group(p<0.05).Conclusions:Strengthening psychological nursing for patients with rheumatic heart disease is helpful to improve their quality of life and mental state after heart valve replacement.

Isolated mitral valve replacement with Guangdong-Ⅰ porcine bioprostheses in rheumatic heart valve disease: analysis of 166 cases with long-term follow-up

Objective To study the long-term effects of mitral valve replacement with bioprostheses in rheumatic heart valve disease. Methods 166 patients with rheumatic heart valve disease underwent isolated mitral valve replacement from Jan. 1978 to Dec. 1985. 79 Patients were male and 87 female. Patients’ age ranged from 11 to 53 years [mean (29.4 ± 9.9) years]. The patients were classified into two groups: group 1 (age【 30 years) included 84 patients, group 2 (age≥30 years) 82 cases. Mean CTR is 0.68 *0.08. Most patients were in NYHA function class Ⅲ-Ⅳ. 76. 3% of patients had atrial fibrillation. 6 patients had pre-operative cerebral vascular accidents. Postoperative deaths were excluded. Follow-up extended from 0.4 year to 19.4 years. Results Actuarial estimate of survival rate at 14 years is (52.5 ± 7.0)%. Heart function was improved to class Ⅰ - Ⅱ in most of patients. Late structural valve deterioration occurred in 89 patients. Among them, 59 were re-operated. Actuarial estimate of freedom from

Clinical results of tricuspid valve replacement—a 21-case report

Objective： To summarize the clinical experiences of 21 patients treated with tricuspid valve replacement （TVR） and investigate the surgical indications and methods. Methods： Data from 21 patients who underwent TVR from December 2002 to March 2009 were retrospectively collected and analyzed. The mean age was 48.86± 15.37 years （range： 20-72 years）. The underlying disease of the patients was classified as rheumatic （n = 10）, congenital （n = 8）, endocarditis （n = 2） or chest trauma （n = 1）. Previous cardiac surgery had been performed in 12 patients （57.14%）. Results： In-hospital death occurred in two patients （9.52%）. Postoperative morbidities included cardiac failure （n = 2）, bleeding related re-operation （n = 1）, and plural effusion （n = 2）. Conclusion： The early outcomes of TVR were acceptable. At the present time TVR can be performed through optimal perioperative management.

A Systematic Approach to Pulmonary Valve Replacement in the Current Era

Background:Pulmonary valve replacement(PVR)can be accomplished via surgical,transcatheter,or hybrid approaches.There are inherent advantages to transcatheter PVR and hybrid PVR without cardiopulmonary bypass.We review the methods and results of a standardized institutional approach to PVR.Methods:Retrospective review of all PVR cases between February 2017 and February 2020.Hybrid PVR entailed off-pump RVOT plication with percutaneous transcatheter PVR.Results:Primary transcatheter PVR was attempted in 37,hybrid PVR was performed in 11,and on-pump surgical PVR was performed in 9.Median age at PVR was 27 years(6–65).Primary transcatheter PVR was successful in 35/37(2 converted to surgical).Standard surgical PVR was utilized for positive coronary compression testing(n=4),stent/valve system migration(n=2),or patient preference(n=3).In the hybrid group mean RVOT diameter was 34 mm(32–38).Median length of stay was 1 day for transcatheter PVR,5 for surgical,and 3 for hybrid(p=0.02).Median follow-up was 1.5 years.Re-interventions were one balloon valve dilation in a transcatheter PVR,and one valve dilation with subsequent transcatheter valve-in-valve PVR in the surgical cohort.One hybrid patient expired 11 months post procedure.Conclusions:A systematic approach to PVR utilizing all approaches in pre-defined order of preference leads to consistent outcomes in a wide variety of anatomic configurations.Transcatheter PVR may be accomplished in the majority of patients.When necessary,hybrid off-pump RVOT plication with transcatheter PVR avoids the need for cardiopulmonary bypass.

经食管二维及三维超声心动图在Lux-Valve Plus经血管三尖瓣置换术中的应用:1例报告

重度三尖瓣反流(tricuspid regurgitation,TR)是一种常见的心脏瓣膜病,死亡率高,指南推荐外科手术高风险患者可考虑介入治疗。现有经血管三尖瓣置换术(transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement,TTVR)器械均处于临床研究阶段,超声心动图在术前筛查、术中影像支持、术后即刻评估及随访方面发挥重要作用。本文报道1例外科手术高危的极重度TR患者,行经颈静脉三尖瓣置换术后临床症状改善,并结合文献分析二维及三维经食管超声心动图(transesophageal echocardiography,TEE)在围手术期的注意事项,以期为临床实践提供参考。

J-Valve介入瓣膜用于不同瓣位生物瓣衰败瓣中瓣治疗的术中护理

目的总结J-Valve介入瓣膜行瓣中瓣治疗在不同瓣位外科生物瓣衰败患者中的早期结果及术中护理经验。方法选取2020年4月至2021年8月期间,在广东省人民医院因不同瓣位外科生物瓣衰败行介入瓣中瓣手术的39例患者作为研究对象,其中19例男性,20例女性,年龄(72.6±10.8)岁,全部采用J-Valve介入瓣膜治疗。实施有针对性的术中护理方案,加强病情监测、安全护理、手术护理配合,采取有效护理干预紧急应对术中并发症。观察患者术后重症监护室治疗时间、术后住院时间,术后有无发生脑卒中、植入永久起搏器、心包积液等并发症,住院期间护理满意度。结果35例单纯行经导管二尖瓣瓣中瓣植入术的患者手术中无死亡,1例因介入瓣膜移位至左心室而紧急中转开胸,1例因心包填塞再次开胸止血,1例出现轻度左心室流出道梗阻;除1例术后30 d内因颅内出血行开颅手术外,无患者出现脑卒中、植入永久起搏器、心包积液及因心源性疾病再入院并发症。其余4例非单纯经导管二尖瓣瓣中瓣植入术的患者中,1例经心尖主动脉瓣瓣中瓣植入术及1例经右心房三尖瓣瓣中瓣植入术的患者均顺利完成手术,无术中及术后并发症;1例经心尖同期行二尖瓣瓣中瓣植入术及主动脉瓣瓣中瓣植入术的患者,在术后16d因严重肺出血及多脏器功能衰竭死亡;1例经心尖同期行二尖瓣瓣中瓣植入术联合经导管主动脉瓣置换术及二尖瓣瓣周漏封堵术的患者,在术后10 d因肺部真菌感染致感染性休克死亡。住院期间护理满意度调查问卷统计结果均为满意。结论在生物瓣衰败的高危患者中采用J-Valve介入瓣膜行二尖瓣瓣中瓣植入术取得良好的早期临床效果,也可安全应用于主动脉瓣或三尖瓣位生物瓣衰败的瓣中瓣治疗,为不同瓣位生物瓣衰败患者提供了一种可替代外科手术的新选择,但在同一时期进行多瓣位介入手术时仍需非常慎重。在手术治疗过程中,实施有科学依据的护理方案,可有效预防并发症,促进早期康复,提高护理满意度。

Outcomes of Self-Expanding Transcatheter Pulmonary Valves:Extended Follow-Up of a Prospective Trial

Background:The Venus-P valve was the first self-expanding valve used world-wide for transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement(TPVR)in patients with severe pulmonary regurgitation(PR).We intended to report the extended follow-up results from the prospective trial(No.NCT02590679).Methods:A total of 38 patients with severe PR(mean age 24.2±13.2)were included.Follow-up data were obtained after implanted at 1,6,and 12 months and yearly after.The frame geometry was assessed on post-implant computer tomography(CT)scanning by calculating the non-circularity[circularity ratio(minimum diameter/maximum diameter)<0.9]and under-expansion[expansion ratio(derived external valve area/nominal external valve area)<0.9).Adverse events(all-cause mortality,reintervention,valve dysfunction,stent fracture and endocarditis)were recorded.Results:All valves were implanted successfully with normal function at discharge.Geometric CT analysis showed underexpanded valve was detected in 22 patients(63%)and non-circular valve was seen in 16 patients(46%).During a median follow-up of 4.8 years(range 0.3-8.1),there were 1 death and 1 surgical explant,both resulting from endocarditis.Five-year freedom from valve dysfunction and stent fracture were 84.8%(95%CI 74.8-94.7)and 83.5%(95%CI 73.8-93.2).Endocarditis occurred in 3 patients at a median time of 7 months.Stent fracture was more common in patients with non-circularity stents.Conclusion:TPVR using Venus-P valve is associated with favorable outcomes at 5 years.Non-circular shapes in the valve level may have a higher risk of stent fracture.

Very late transcatheter heart valve thrombosis

We describe a case of very late transcatheter heart valve(THV) thrombosis of a first-generation SAPIEN prosthesis(Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA) implanted in a 64-yearold woman with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis. More than 54 mo after implantation, she presented with severe symptomatic prosthesis dysfunction(stenosis) which was successfully treated with oral anticoagulation. To our knowledge, this is the tardiest case of THV thrombosis ever reported. This case should increase clinical awareness for THV thrombosis even beyond the first two-year period following implantation.

Acute Decompensated Heart Failure Secondary to Structural Valve Degeneration of a Bioprosthetic Valve

Heart valve replacement is a common cardiac surgical procedure used to treat native valvular diseases such as aortic and mitral stenosis and regurgitation. These procedures reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with diseased native valves and yet come at the expense of prosthetic valve complications. Structural valve degeneration is one such complication. We present a case of a critically ill elderly man who had undergone mitral valve replacement 14 years prior to his current presentation. Only after admission through the emergency department was a transesophageal echocardiogram obtained and the diagnosis of prosthetic valve degeneration made. He subsequently underwent successful replacement of his diseased prosthetic valve.

Mitral Valve Surgery for Functional Regurgitation: Insights into Heart Failure and Readmission

Background: Functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) is an increasing burden as population ages. Mitral valve repair (MVr) is the preferred surgical treatment of FMR despite limited evidence supporting its efficacy. Mitral valve replacement (MVR) is the alternative procedure typically reserved for patients who are at higher risk or refractory to MVr. The present study aims to determine which of the two procedures is more effective in the surgical treatment of FMR. Methods: 344 charts of FMR patients who received either MVr (n = 263) or MVR (n = 81) from 2004-2016 at our institution were reviewed. Treatment efficacy was assessed based on heart failure (HF)-readmission and survival rates within 5 years from discharge. Propensity score approach with inverse probability weighting and Cox regression models were employed to evaluate procedural impact on survival and rehospitalizations, respectively. Follow-up echocardiographic data from the original cohort was assessed for differences in metrics between procedural groups at >6 months (MVr: n = 75;MVR: n = 23) and 1 year (MVr: n = 75;MVR: n = 18) post-op. Results: MVR patients had a lower risk of being readmitted for HF within 5 years compared to the MVr group (HR-adj (95% CI): 0.60 (0.41 - 0.88), p = 0.008). MVR patients also had a higher overall risk of death (HR-adj (95% CI): 1.82 (1.05 - 3.16), p = 0.034) but this was borderline significantly different at 5 years cut-off (p = 0.057). Conclusions: Higher HF readmission in MVr patients than in sicker, higher surgical-risk MVR patients reflects the inadequacy of MVr to treat FMR. Novel approaches to MVR may be necessary to adequately manage FMR.