Effectiveness of Surgical Mitral Valve Repair Versus Medical Treatment for People With Significant Mitral Regurgitation and Non-ischemic Congestive Heart Failure

Participants will undergo open heart surgery to mechanically reduce mitral regurgitation (MR). A complete rigid or semi-rigid annular ring will be placed unless specifically contraindicated by intraoperative findings. The ring size will be between 24 mm and 27 mm in the anteroposterior diameter. Annular ring sutures will be placed circumferentially approximately 1 mm off the hinge point between the leaflet and the atrial tissue. The total number of sutures will vary between 4 and 7 sutures anteriorly, while 8 to 12 sutures will be utilized for the posterior segment of the annulus. Additional repair of the mitral apparatus itself will be based on intraoperative findings. Leaflet repair will be performed for significant prolapse. Submitral apparatus repair will be performed for ruptured or significantly elongated chordae as well as significant chordal tethering.

Optimal medical therapy can include, but is not limited to, any of the following treatment regimens: combination of vasodilator therapy and diuretics, nitrates and nifedipine, and beta-adrenergic blocker therapy.