Manual Braiding of GoreTex Neochords to Ensure Correct Length in Mitral Valve Repair.

Ascertaining the correct length of neochords during mitral valve repair is challenging. We describe a modified technique of chordal replacement where a GoreTex (W.L. Gore and Assoc, Inc, Flagstaff, AZ, USA) sutures are repeatedly tied so as to braid the suture to the optimal length before sutures are passed through the mitral leaflet. The length of the braided chord remains fixed when tying on the atrial side. For bileaflet repairs, a second suture is incorporated into the initial chord to create a "Y" braided neo-chord configuration. This technique facilitates precision in mitral repair.