A Device for Ensuring the Neochordae Replacement in Mitral Valve Repair

We have developed a new device for maintaining artificial chordae at the appropriate length during the tying of Gore-Tex sutures (W. L. Gore and Assoc, Flagstaff, AZ). This double-armed, double-hooked device is inserted through the loop formed by the neochordae, which is anchored in the papillary muscle and passed through the prolapsing segment. The device pulls up both leaflets and maintains the neochordae at the same length as that of the opposing normal chordae. The prolapsed leaflet is suspended at the same height as the facing leaflet, enabling the accurate and reproducible placement of neochordae.