Heart Views

The "edge-to-edge" is a relatively new technique to treat mitral regurgitation. First introduced in 1991, it has been widely used in patients with severe mitral regurgitation due to complex lesions requiring demanding surgical techniques for correction or with expected low chances of successful repair. This alternative surgical approach consists of anchoring the free edge of the diseased leaflet to the corresponding edge of the opposing leaflet. Because of its effectiveness and durability, the "edge-to-edge" technique can be a useful addition to the surgical armamentarium in mitral valve reconstruction. Indications, results, controversies and future perspectives of this type of repair are discussed.