Beating Heart Mitral Valve Replacement with a Bovine Pericardial Bioprosthesis for Treatment of Mitral Valve Dysplasia in a Bull Terrier

ABSTRACT

Objectives—To describe an open, beating heart surgical technique and use of a bovine pericardial prosthetic valve for mitral valve replacement (MVR) in the dog.

Study Design—Clinical case report.

Animals—Male Bull Terrier (17-month-old, 26 kg) with mitral valve dysplasia and severe regurgitation.

Methods—A bovine pericardial bioprosthesis was used to replace the mitral valve using an open beating heart surgical technique and cardiopulmonary bypass.

Results—Successful MVR was achieved using a beating heart technique. Mitral regurgitation resolved and cardiac performances improved (left ventricular end-diastolic diameter decreased from 57.6 to 48.7 mm, and left atrium/aorta ratio returned to almost normal, from 1.62 to 1.19). Cardiopulmonary by-pass time and total surgical duration were decreased compared with standard cardioplegic techniques. Surgical recovery was uneventful and on echocardiography 6 months later valve function was excellent.

Conclusion—Considering the technique advantages (no cardiac arrest, ischemic reperfusion injury, and hypothermia, or the need for aortic dissection and cannulation for administration of cardioplegic solution), short-term mortality and morbidity may be reduced compared with standard cardioplegic techniques.

Clinical Relevance—Based on experience in this dog, beating heart mitral valvular replacement is a seemingly safe and viable option for the dog and bovine pericardial prosthesis may provide better long-term survival than mechanical prostheses.