Presentation and Outcomes of Women and Men Undergoing Surgery for Degenerative Mitral Regurgitation

This study examined the preoperative status and surgical outcomes of male versus female degenerative mitral valve regurgitation patients undergoing surgery. The authors reviewed the institutional database for all patients who underwent surgery for degenerative mitral regurgitation between 2013 and 2021. Preoperative clinical and echocardiographic variables, surgical characteristics, and outcomes were compared. A total of 963 patients were included, 32.6 percent of whom were female. Results showed that women were older and more likely to have bileaflet prolapse, mitral annular calcification, and tricuspid regurgitation. Women also required mechanical circulatory support more frequently, had longer stays in the intensive care unit, were on mechanical ventilation for longer periods, and had longer overall hospitalization. Guidelines may need to be adjusted to address these disparities and improve postoperative recovery.