A Modified Kay-Reed Method for Mitral Annuloplasty in Dogs

The aim of this study was to apply a modified Kay–Reed (MKR) method, in which modified horizontal mattress sutures are placed in the mitral annulus without involvement of the middle scallops of the septal and mural leaflets in dogs, and to estimate its effect on left atrial pressure. Four normal laboratory beagles underwent the MKR procedure. The peak velocity and pressure halftime (PHT) of the E-wave and mean pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) were measured to estimate left atrial pressure before and 1 month after surgery. The peak velocity of the E-wave significantly increased (p < 0.01), but the PHT of the E-wave was not prolonged 1 month after surgery (p = 0.110). The mean PCWP did not change (p = 0.200), and was within the reference range 1 month after surgery. Our MKR method is an alternative approach to mitral annuloplasty; it is easier to perform compared with traditional circumferential mitral annuloplasty and does not affect the PCWP, although the echocardiographic parameters are changed. However, further studies are needed in order to apply the MKR method to clinical cases such as those assessing the usefulness of the MKR method in small-sized dogs and its long-term durability.