Optimal surgical mitral valve repair in Barlow's disease: the concept of functional prolapse.

Barlow's disease presents the most severe form of degenerative mitral valve disease as it normally affects various valvular structures and segments. We discuss the technical aspects of mitral valve repair in this setting. Furthermore, the concept of "functional prolapse" of the mitral valve is discussed as well as recommendations on when to proceed with surgical correction of anterior leaflet prolapse.