Biomechanical Engineering Analysis of Commonly Utilized Mitral Neochordae

Abstract Objective To evaluate the suture rupture forces of commonly clinically utilized neochord repair techniques to identify the most biomechanically resistant most biomechanically resistant technique. Methods Several types of neochord techniques (standard interrupted neochordae, continuous running neochordae, and loop technique), numbers of neochordae, and suture calibers (polytetrafluoroethylene CV-3 to CV-6) were compared. To perform the tests, both ends of the neochordae were loaded in a tensile force analysis machine. During the test, the machine applied tension to the neochord until rupture was achieved. The tests were performed 3 times for each variation, and the rupture forces were averaged for statistical analysis. Results Rupture force was significantly higher for running neochordae relative to interrupted neochordae (P  Conclusions Under experimental conditions, the running neochord technique has the best mechanical performance due to an increased rupture force. If using running neochordae, more than 1 independent set of multiple running neochordae are advised (ie, >2 independent sets of multiple running neochordae in each set).