Assessment of mitral valve function using a cardioplegic cannula.

A technique facilitating intraoperative assessment of the degree of mitral regurgitation during mitral reconstructive procedures is reported. During open heart procedure using cardioplegia, a cardioplegic cannula in the aortic root was inserted into the left ventricle, filling the left ventricle with cold saline, and competence of the mitral valve was assessed. This assessment of mitral regurgitation during open heart procedure was compared with the degree of mitral regurgitation by the postoperative left ventriculography. This technique was expedient, safe and helpful.