Recurrent mitral regurgitation due to ruptured ePTFE neochordae after mitral valve repair by the loop technique: a report of case.

Mitral valve (MV) repair with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) sutures has proven to simple, versatile, and durable technique for the treatment of mitral valve regurgitation (MR). The ePTFE is known for its strong resistance to tension, and is judged to be unbreakable under physiological condition. The loop technique using premeasured ePTFE neochordae was employed from August 2005 for 290 consecutive MV repair. Among those 290 patients, there was only one case of recurrent MR due to rupture of the ePTFE neochordae. We report a case of intermediate failure of CV-5 ePTFE neochordae due to rupture and its electron microscope views.