Chordopapillary apparatus preservation was compared with valve-excising mitral valve replacement in a retrospective analysis of 360 patients, of whom 98 had total or partial chordal preservation and 262 had the conventional operation. No significant differences were seen in age, sex, pathology, crossclamp or cardiopulmonary bypass times between the 3 groups. Left ventricular fractional shortening decreased significantly in patients whose valves had been excised completely, whereas it remained unchanged in patients with either partial or total chordal conservation. There was a survival benefit for patients undergoing leaflet preservation (92% vs. 80% for conventional excision at 5 years; p=0.001). Chordal preservation during valve replacement for mitral valve disease improves survival, enhances functional status, preserves left ventricular geometry and function, and improves overall cardiac performance. Preservation of the posterior leaflet alone offers excellent results that are comparable to those of patients with total chordal preservation.

Subvalvular aneurysms are the least common type of left ventricular (LV) aneurysms and can be fatal. Subaortic LV aneurysms are much rarer than submitral LV aneurysms and mostly reported in infancy. They can be congenital or acquired secondary to infections, cardiac surgery or trauma. Here, we report a unique presentation of a large, idiopathic subaortic aneurysm in an adult masquerading as an acute coronary syndrome. Diagnosis was made with the help of a CT aortography. Aneurysm was surgically resected with good results. This case highlights the clinical presentation and management of subaortic aneurysms, an important differential for congenital aortic malformations.

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Background: Extended trans septal (ETS) approach for mitral valve surgery often divides the artery to the

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