A retired heart transplant surgeon and researcher, John Macoviak MD MBA currently writes on a range of medical subjects, with special focus on the treatment of heart conditions. Among his previous research publications is the paper titled “Percutaneous septal sinus shortening: a novel procedure for the treatment of functional mitral regurgitation.”
The most common valve disease, functional mitral regurgitation, also known as secondary mitral regurgitation, is characterized by motion abnormalities in the wall of the left lower chamber of the heart (left ventricle), compromising closure of the mitral valve (the valve between the left upper and lower chambers of the heart). Mitral regurgitation causes the left ventricle of the heart to become susceptible to further damage, since the volume of blood it holds is higher than normal due to reverse flow of blood past the mitral valve. This condition can eventually cause death if not treated. Functional MR happens when other diseases of the left ventricle have resulted in severe left ventricular dysfunction. Often, it is inadvertently discovered during a patient’s examination for heart failure. Among other symptoms, patients with functional mitral regurgitation usually experience shortness of breath.
In the publication, John Macoviak and other researchers describe the percutaneous septal sinus shortening system for treating functional MR. This novel technique was applied to a sheep model, and the result showed significant success. This technique reduced the annular diameter of the mitral valve from center to the left in sheep with severe functional MR to a diameter optimal for reducing mitral regurgitation. While the study employed a standard catheter technique, the researchers noted that the technique could further be enhanced by using fluoroscopy.
John Macoviak 