Prosthetic mitral valve replacement: late complications after native valve preservation.

Preservation of the mitral valve leaflet and tensor apparatus during valve replacement is believed to maintain left ventricular performance. The routine use of this technique may lead to left ventricular outflow or inflow obstruction as illustrated in the present report. We recommend mobilization or excision of the anterior mitral valve leaflet and preservation of the posterior leaflet if replacement of the valve is contemplated for incompetence.