Early and Follow-Up Results of Butterfly Resection of Prolapsed Posterior Leaflet in 76 Consecutive Patients

Dr. Asai and colleagues from Japan report on their midterm results using the “butterfly” technique of leaflet resection for posterior leaflet prolapse.  In this procedure, the shape of the resected specimen of prolapsed leaflet resembles the shape of a butterfly as opposed to the conventional quadrangular shape.  The authors argue that the procedure allows an adjustable height reduction of the posterior leaflet with minimal tissue resection and no annular plication.  This may minimize the risk of SAM following mitral repair.  Both early and midterm outcomes following the butterfly resection were excellent, with superb durability of the repair.