Left-Side Surgical Approach to Mitral Valve in Dog Cadaver Study

Mitral regurgitation is the most frequent cause of cardiac disability and death in dogs. A wide range of medical and surgical treatments have been used for mitral regurgitation. Surgical treatments for complete correction of mitral regurgitation include valve repair and valve replacement, which have the advantages of eliminating or correcting the primary cause. Surgical treatments approach the mitral valve via right- or left-side thoracotomy. Aortic root exposure is needed for cardiopulmonary bypass. To compare right-side and left-side approaches, 10 dog cadavers were used in this study. Subsequently, the left-side surgical approach was used in vivo and in conjunction with cardiopulmonary bypass and cardioplegic arrest. Based on the results, and considering ease of access to the aortic root, valve incision site, and visualization of the surgical field, a left-side approach is recommended.