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Background We evaluated a novel formula using preoperative transesophageal echocardiographic measurements to determine neochordae length for repair of degenerative mitral regurgitation (MR). Methods The formula is based on measuring the distance from the adjacent papillary head to the intended coaptation zone of the flail/prolapsing leaflet segment and subtracting the redundant leaflet length. Between 2008 and 2017, 264 consecutive patients underwent mitral valve repair (82.2% endoscopic, minimally invasive approach and 17.8% sternotomy) with neochordae loop reconstruction (68.6% posterior, 6.4% anterior, and 25% bileaflet repair). Mean patient age was 63 ± 13.6 years, 73.5% were men, and mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 63.1% ± 6.7%. Results Mitral valve repair was successful in 100% of patients, with no patient requiring conversion to replacement. Neochordae length measurement was accurate in 259 patients (98%), with 4 patients requiring conversion to resection and 1 patient requiring longer anterior leaflet neochordae. Median anterior and posterior neochordae lengths were 27 mm (range, 18-32) and 17 mm (range, 9-27), respectively. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography demonstrated no or trace residual MR in 254 patients and mild residual MR in 10 patients. In-hospital mortality occurred in 1 patient, and complications included respiratory failure (2.7%) and renal failure (1.8%). At the median follow-up of 12.6 months (interquartile range, 11.1), 98.9% of patients remained free from ≥2+ MR, whereas freedom from reoperation was 100%. Conclusions Preoperative transesophageal echocardiographic measurements can accurately and reproducibly predict the required length of neochordae loop reconstruction for degenerative mitral valve repair with good results. Longer-term follow-up is necessary.

Bochdalek hernias usually present in neonates with respiratory failure, need to be operated early and are associated with a high mortality. We describe an adult patient who came to the emergency department with nonspecific recurrent chest and abdominal pain. A computed tomography scan showed a large posterolateral diaphragmatic defect and an oversized spleen. The hernia was repaired by a thoracoabdominal approach and Gore-Tex patch. Congenital diaphragmatic hernias are rare and are associated with nonspecific symptoms in adults. With suspicious chest or abdominal radiographs, a computed tomography scan is essential to plan an individualized surgical intervention.