Background: Compromised left ventricular function presents unique challenges during mitral valve surgery. Recent evidence suggests that subvalvular apparatus preservation might enhance postoperative recovery in high-risk populations. Methods: This prospective observational investigation (Hue Central Hospital, March 2015–September 2016) evaluated 87 patients undergoing mechanical mitral valve replacement with posterior leaflet preservation. Participants were stratified into two groups: reduced ejection fraction (EF ≤ 50%, n = 38) and preserved EF (>50%, n = 49). Comprehensive clinical and echocardiographic assessments were conducted at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Statistical analysis employed parametric and non-parametric methodologies, with survival analyzed via Kaplan–Meier techniques. Results: The reduced EF cohort demonstrated significant improvement in contractile performance from 48.8 ± 5.2% preoperatively to 61.6 ± 7.2% at 12 months (p < 0.05). Ventricular dimensions decreased notably from 59.2 ± 6.6 mm to 47.6 ± 4.0 mm (p < 0.05). Hospital mortality was 2.3% (2 patients). Twelve-month survival rates reached 94.66% and 97.96% for reduced and preserved EF groups, respectively, without significant inter-group differences (p = 0.42). All surviving participants achieved functional status in NYHA class I or II. Conclusions: Mechanical mitral valve replacement with posterior leaflet preservation represents an effective approach for patients with reduced ventricular performance, promoting substantial improvement in cardiac function and excellent clinical outcomes.
Tran et al. (Sat,) studied this question.