Background-Mitral valvular-ventricular continuity is important for left ventricular (LV) systolic function, but the specific contributions of the anterior leaflet second-order "strut" chordae are unknown. Methods and Results-Eight sheep had radiopaque markers implanted to silhouette the LV, annulus, and papillary muscles (PMs); 3 transmural bead columns were inserted into the mid-lateral wall between the PMs. The strut chordae were encircled with exteriorized wire snares. Three-dimensional marker images and hemodynamic data were acquired before and after chordal cutting. Preload recruitable stroke work (PRSW) and end-systolic elastance (E es ) were calculated to assess global LV systolic function (nϭ7). Transmural strains were measured from bead displacements (nϭ4