Stress Echocardiography after Mitral Valve Repair using a Semirigid Partial Band.

Abstract Background The reduction in exercise capacity following mitral valve repair (MVr) for severe degenerative mitral regurgitation is an unsolved issue. This study aimed to evaluate hemodynamics after MVr using a partial semirigid band during exercise stress echocardiography and identify predictive factors for achieving better exercise capacity after MVr. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 48 patients using exercise stress echocardiography within 5 years of having undergone MVr using a partial semirigid band between 2013 and 2019. Values of maximal workload were converted into numbers of metabolic equivalents (METs) achieved for each patient. Age- and gender-predicted METs (eMETs) were obtained, and %eMETs (achieved METs/eMETs × 100) were calculated. Multivariable linear regression analysis was used to identify the determinants of %eMETs. Results Only one-third of patients achieved eMETs. Significant determinants of %eMETs were age at exercise stress echocardiography (β coefficient, 0.64; 95% confidence interval, 0.31–0.96; p 100%, with a sensitivity and specificity of 87% and 79%, respectively. Conclusions Patients with larger indexed device size achieved greater exercise capacity after MVr using a partial semirigid band. Preoperative evaluation to decide whether we can use an annuloplasty device larger than 19.5 mm/m2 may be important for patients who intend to exercise with high intensity.