Abstract: Background : The surgical options for treating mitral insufficiency (MI) in dogs are influenced by multiple factors, including the surgeon’s expertise and proficiency. Therefore, surgical management of this disease is not standardized.
Hypothesis/Objectives: This study established a standardized technique for controlling regurgitation, independent of the surgeon's experience.
Animals: The study included 19 client-owned dogs with MI, treated surgically via the key points technique . Surgery was performed by one of two surgeons with different experience levels.
Methods: The surgical technique for MI was standardized using four key points (MI-4): I) determining the valve annular dimension by measuring the anterior leaflet, II) utilizing the Triad Anchored chordae tendineae reconstruction method, III) determining the appropriate position and number of chordae tendineae on the anterior and posterior leaflets, and IV) determining the appropriate height. The percentage of regurgitation (%Reg) was measured using the B-mode color Doppler flow of the atrium on the four-chamber left long-axis view.
Results: There were ten and nine dogs with stage C and D disease, respectively. All 19 dogs were discharged, and 18 dogs were successfully reevaluated after one month. The %Reg decreased from 73% (interquartile range [IQR], 59.6–79.3%) to 4.3% (IQR, 0.2–11.5%) All dogs showed clinical improvement.
Conclusions and Clinical Importance: The MI-4 surgical technique reduced the number of intraoperative decision points, eliminated dependence on the surgeon's experience, effectively controlled regurgitation, and prevented intraoperative complications. Additionally, the results could guide future research and aid veterinary surgeons in making more informed decisions when treating dogs with MI.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion, participant will be able to describe the surgical anatomy of the mitral valve in dogs, including the structures and landmarks involved in the surgical approach.
Upon completion, participant will be able to understand the steps involved in mitral valve surgery in dogs
Upon completion, participant will be able to evaluate potential complications associated with mitral valve surgery technique in dogs.
