Mitral Valve Repair: The French Correction Versus the American Correction

Degenerative mitral valve disease causing mitral regurgitation is the most common organic valve pathology and is classified based on leaflet motion. The “French correction” mitral valve repair method restores normal valvular anatomy with extensive leaflet resection, chordal manipulation, and rigid annuloplasty. The American correction attempts to restore normal valve function through minimal leaflet resection, flexible annuloplasty, and use of artificial chordae. These differing methods of mitral valve repair reflect an evolution in principles, but both require understanding of the valve pathology and correction of leaflet prolapse and annular dilatation. Adhering to those unifying principles and ensuring that no patient leaves the operating room with significant persistent mitral regurgitation produces durable results and satisfactory patient outcomes.