In-vivo models of primary and secondary mitral regurgitation
Ischemic mitral regurgitation - We developed an in-vivo model of ischemic mitral regurgitation by percutaneous occlusion of the coronary arteries perfusing the inferior myocardial wall and the posteromedial papillary muscle. Over an 8 week period moderate degree of ischemic MR has been observed consistently on echocardiography. At 8 week timepoint EF of 35-45% is measured. The video on the right depicts a representative ultrasound image after 8-10 weeks after the infarction was induced using a percutaneous approach. |
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Beating heart model of primary mitral regurgitation
To mimic mitral valve prolapse, we use a transapical nerve hook to cut the mitral valve chordae, resulting in acute leaflet flail and thus regurgitation. Barlow type mitral pathology, i.e. with significant leaflet billowing, is tough to produce, but we have been successful in establishing such a model ex-vivo. Barlow's pathology is mimicked by extending the papillary muscles towards the mitral annulus, which creates some degree of mitral billowing. In another model, we have transplanted mitral valves from large hearts into smaller hearts to mimic the condition of redundant leaflets seen in this lesion. |
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