SAGES quality initiative: an introduction.

The Medicare program has transitioned to paying healthcare providers based on the quality of care delivered, not on the quantity. In May 2015, SAGES held its first ever Quality Summit. The goal of this meeting was to provide us with the information necessary to put together a strategic plan for our Society over the next 3-5 years, and to participate actively on a national level to help develop valid measures of quality of surgery. The transition to value-based medicine requires that providers are now measured and reimbursed based on the quality of services they provide rather than the quantity of patients in their care. As of 2014, quality measures must cover 3 of the 6 available National Quality domains. Physician quality reporting system measures are created via a vigorous process which is initiated by the proposal of the quality measure and subsequent validation. Commercial, non-profit, and governmental agencies have now been engaged in the measurement of hospital performance through structural measures, process measures, and increasingly with outcomes measures. This more recent focus on outcomes measures have been linked to hospital payments through the Value-Based Purchasing program. Outcomes measures of quality drive CMS' new program, MACRA, using two formats: Merit-based incentive programs and alternative payment models. But, the quality of information now available is highly variable and difficult for the average consumer to use. Quality metrics serve to guide efforts to improve performance and for consumer education. Professional organizations such as SAGES play a central role in defining the agenda for improving quality, outcomes, and safety. The mission of SAGES is to improve the quality of patient care through education, research, innovation, and leadership, principally in gastrointestinal and endoscopic surgery.

Revisional paraesophageal hernia repair outcomes compare favorably to initial operations.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent paraesophageal hernia (PEH) repair is performed for symptomatic recurrent hiatal hernia and/or reflux with little understanding as to outcomes related to perioperative and subjective patient variables. The aim of this study was to understand what differences exist between patients undergoing initial paraesophageal hernia (IPEH) repair and those undergoing redo paraesophageal hernia (RPEH) repair. METHODS: A review of PEH repairs between 2009 and 2013 was performed from a single institution. RPEH patients were identified and analyzed for demographic information, perioperative/intraoperative details, and postoperative outcomes. A similar comparison group of IPEH patients was randomly selected from the same sample as a control. A phone questionnaire was administered to the RPEH group. RESULTS: Among 336 total PEH repairs from 2009 to 2013, 34 RPEH patients were identified. A matched cohort of 76 patients was identified. RPEH and IPEH groups had similar DeMeester score, incidence of Barrett's esophagus, incidence of gastritis, and LOS. Readmission rates (15 vs. 24 %, p = 0.283) and recurrence rate (4 vs. 12 %, p = 0.201) were not statistically different between IPEH and RPEH repairs, respectively. Operative times (163 vs. 209 min, p < 0.001), incidence of Collis gastroplasty (1 vs. 24 %, p < 0.001), and EBL > 10 cc (25 vs. 51 %, p < 0.023) differed between IPEH and RPEH repairs, respectively. Recurrent symptoms included chest pain (37 %), solid dysphagia (42 %), nausea (58 %), vomiting (32 %), bloating (63 %), and hoarseness (21 %). 21 % of patients required ongoing antacid therapy. Patient satisfaction via phone questionnaires demonstrated 88 % of patients were completely satisfied. CONCLUSIONS: Recurrent PEH repair is performed with similar outcomes to IPEH repair with the exception of increased operative time and blood loss. Collis gastroplasty is required more frequently in RPEH patients. Persistent symptoms exist following RPEH repair. Despite recurrent symptomatology, patient satisfaction is high. RPEH repair may be safely performed in patients with recurrent paraesophageal hernias with outcomes similar to IPEH repairs.

Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair With a Novel Hernia Mesh Incorporating a Nitinol Alloy Frame Compared With a Standard Lightweight Polypropylene Mesh.

BACKGROUND: Numerous mesh materials are available for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. The role of fixation of mesh in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair remains controversial. Mesh materials have been engineered to anatomically conform to the pelvis to potentially reduce or eliminate the need for fixation. This study evaluates the outcomes of laparoscopic inguinal hernia utilizing a device consisting of a lightweight polypropylene mesh with a nitinol frame (Rebound HRD) compared with repair with lightweight polypropylene mesh with permanent tack fixation. METHODS: A prospective randomized trial evaluating the outcomes of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair with a lightweight polypropylene mesh with a nitinol frame (N-LWM) compared with standard lightweight polypropylene mesh (LWM) was conducted. Randomization was performed at an N-LWM to LWM ratio of 2:1. Repairs were standardized to a laparoscopic extraperitoneal approach without fixation for N-LWM and titanium tack fixation for LWM repairs. Follow-up assessments were performed at 7 days, 6 months, and 1 year. Outcome measures include visual analog pain scale (VAS), Short Form 36 (SF-36), Carolinas Comfort Scale (CCS), operative details, complications, and recurrences. RESULTS: There were 47 patients that underwent laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair and adhered to study protocol (31 N-LWM, 16 LWM). The groups did not differ significantly in age, body mass index, ethnicity, or employment. The N-LWM group had bilateral mesh placed in 51.6% and LWM 43.8% (P = .76). Operative duration was similar, 59.6 ± 23.1 minutes for LWM and 62.4 ± 26.7 minutes for N-LWM (P = .705) as was mesh handling time was 5.4 ± 3.1 minutes LWM versus 7.3 ± 3.9 minutes N-LWM (P = .053). VAS, CCS, and SF-36 survey results were similar between groups. There was one recurrence (0.03%) in the N-LWM group. CONCLUSIONS: Nitinol-framed lightweight polypropylene mesh may be safely used during laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair with outcomes comparable to LWM at 1 year. N-LWM does not impact operating room time, mesh handling time, pain, recurrences, or complications.

Doxycycline administration improves fascial interface in hernia repair.

BACKGROUND: Despite improvements in ventral hernia repair techniques, their recurrence rates are unacceptably high. Increased levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and reduced collagen-1 to -3 ratios are implicated in incisional hernia formation. We have recently shown doxycycline treatment for 4 wk after hernia repair reduced MMP levels, significantly increased collagen-1 to -3 ratios, and increased tensile strength of repaired interface fascia. However, this increase was not statistically significant. In this study, we extended treatment duration to determine whether this would impact the tensile strength of the repaired interface fascia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent incision hernia creation and subsequent repair with polypropylene mesh. The animals received either saline (n = 16) or doxycycline (n = 16) beginning from 1 day before hernia repair until the end of survival time of 6 wk (n = 16) or 12 wk (n = 16). Tissue samples were investigated for MMPs and collagen subtypes using Western blot procedures, and tensiometric analysis was performed. RESULTS: At both 6 and 12 wk after hernia repair, the tensiometric strength of doxycycline-treated mesh to fascia interface (MFI) tissue showed a statistically significant increase when compared with untreated control MFI. In both groups, collagen-1, -2, and -3 ratios were remarkably increased in doxycycline-treated MFI. At 6 wk, the doxycycline-treated MFI group showed a significant decrease in MMP-2, an increase in MMP-3, and no change in MMP-9. At 12 wk, MMP-9 showed a remarkable reduction, whereas MMP-2 and -3 protein levels increased in the doxycycline-treated MFI group. CONCLUSIONS: Doxycycline administration results in significantly improved strength of repaired fascial interface tissue along with a remarkable increase in collagen-1, -2, and -3 ratios.

Design and preliminary evaluation of the FINGER rehabilitation robot: controlling challenge and quantifying finger individuation during musical computer game play.

BACKGROUND: This paper describes the design and preliminary testing of FINGER (Finger Individuating Grasp Exercise Robot), a device for assisting in finger rehabilitation after neurologic injury. We developed FINGER to assist stroke patients in moving their fingers individually in a naturalistic curling motion while playing a game similar to Guitar Hero. The goal was to make FINGER capable of assisting with motions where precise timing is important. METHODS: FINGER consists of a pair of stacked single degree-of-freedom 8-bar mechanisms, one for the index and one for the middle finger. Each 8-bar mechanism was designed to control the angle and position of the proximal phalanx and the position of the middle phalanx. Target positions for the mechanism optimization were determined from trajectory data collected from 7 healthy subjects using color-based motion capture. The resulting robotic device was built to accommodate multiple finger sizes and finger-to-finger widths. For initial evaluation, we asked individuals with a stroke (n = 16) and without impairment (n = 4) to play a game similar to Guitar Hero while connected to FINGER. RESULTS: Precision design, low friction bearings, and separate high speed linear actuators allowed FINGER to individually actuate the fingers with a high bandwidth of control (-3 dB at approximately 8 Hz). During the tests, we were able to modulate the subject's success rate at the game by automatically adjusting the controller gains of FINGER. We also used FINGER to measure subjects' effort and finger individuation while playing the game. CONCLUSIONS: Test results demonstrate the ability of FINGER to motivate subjects with an engaging game environment that challenges individuated control of the fingers, automatically control assistance levels, and quantify finger individuation after stroke.

A prospective, multicenter trial of a long-term bioabsorbable mesh with Sepra technology in cohort of challenging laparoscopic ventral or incisional hernia repairs (ATLAS trial).

BACKGROUND: This prospective, multicenter, single-arm, open-label study evaluated P4HB-ST mesh in laparoscopic ventral or incisional hernia repair (LVIHR) in patients with Class I (clean) wounds at high risk for Surgical Site Occurrence (SSO). METHODS: Primary endpoint was SSO requiring intervention <45 days. Secondary endpoints included: surgical procedure time, length of stay, SSO >45 days, hernia recurrence, device-related adverse events, reoperation, and Quality of Life at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24-months. RESULTS: 120 patients (52.5% male), mean age of 55.0 ± 14.9 years, and BMI of 33.2 ± 4.5 kg/m2 received P4HB-ST mesh. Patient-reported comorbid conditions included: obesity (86.7%), active smoker (45.0%), COPD (5.0%), diabetes (16.7%), immunosuppression (2.5%), coronary artery disease (7.5%), chronic corticosteroid use (2.5%), hypoalbuminemia (0.8%), advanced age (10.0%), and renal insufficiency (0.8%). Hernia types were primary ventral (44.2%), primary incisional (37.5%), recurrent ventral (5.8%), and recurrent incisional (12.5%). Patients underwent LVIHR in laparoscopic (55.8%) or robotic-assisted cases (44.2%), mean defect size 15.7 ± 28.3 cm2, mean procedure time 85.9 ± 43.0 min, and mean length of stay 1.0 ± 1.4 days. There were no SSOs requiring intervention beyond 45 days, n = 38 (31.7%) recurrences, n = 22 (18.3%) reoperations, and n = 2 (1.7%) device-related adverse events (excluding recurrence). CONCLUSION: P4HB-ST mesh demonstrated low rates of SSO and device-related complications, with improved quality of life scores, and reoperation rate comparable to other published studies. Recurrence rate was higher than expected at 31.7%. However, when analyzed by hernia defect size, recurrence was disproportionately high in defects ≥7.1 cm2 (43.3%) compared to defects <7.1 cm2 (18.6%). Thus, in LVIHR, P4HB-ST may be better suited for small defects. Caution is warranted when utilizing P4HB-ST in laparoscopic IPOM repair of larger defects until additional studies can further investigate outcomes.

Single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a cost comparison.

BACKGROUND: Single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) should not cost more or less than traditional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). METHODS: Retrospective cost data were collected from the accounting records of a single institution. A direct comparison of LC and SILC was conducted. Data on the SILC cases converted to LC were included. The total operating room (OR) cost (actual cost to the hospital for equipment, time, and personnel) and the total OR charges (total derived from the OR cost plus a margin to cover overhead costs beyond material costs) were examined. The total hospital charges (OR charges plus hospital charges accrued in the perioperative period) also were included. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data, with p values less than 0.05 considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Over a period of 19 months, 116 cases of minimally invasive cholecystectomy were evaluated. Of the 116 patients, 48 underwent LC during the first half of that period, and 68 patients underwent SILC during the second half of that period. Nine of the single-incision procedures were converted to traditional LC, for a 13% conversion rate. The groups were well matched from a demographics standpoint, with no significant differences in age, gender, body mass index (BMI), diagnoses, American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) class, or payment. Comparison of all attempted SILCs, including those converted, with all LCs showed no significant difference in cost category totals. A significant difference among all cost variables was found when SILCs were compared with SILCs that required conversion to LC. A significant difference among the cost variables also was found when LCs were compared with converted SILCs. CONCLUSION: The cost for SILC did not differ significantly from that for LC when standard materials were used and the duration of the procedure was considered. Converted cases were significantly more expensive than completed SILC and LC cases.

Using the StomaphyX(TM) endoplicator to treat a gastric bypass complication.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: As the number of bariatric operations performed increases, the number of patients requiring reoperation for failed weight loss is expected to proportionately increase. Natural orifice surgery is an alternative approach to revisional gastric bypass surgery when postoperative complications, such as dilatation of the gastrojejunostomy, gastrogastric fistula, and gastric pouch, dilation occur. METHODS: The present article reports on the safe and successful use of an endoscopic tissue plicating device in a patient found to have a dilated gastric pouch and a gastrogastric fistula 12 years after an open, nondivided RYGB. RESULTS: The procedure was performed without complications and resulted in a reduced pouch size to approximately 30cc to 50cc and redirection of the flow of gastric contents through her gastrojejunostomy. The patient's early satiety returned and, 1 year postoperatively, she had incurred a 45-pound weight loss. DISCUSSION: The morbidity and mortality of revision gastric bypass was avoided while the patient's goal of moderate weight loss was achieved. Tissue plicating devices offer an alternative for repair of some postbariatric complications. With the rapid advances in endoluminal technology and increasing experience with natural orifice surgery, the ability to successfully address surgical problems through less invasive means will continue to improve.

Single incision laparoscopic ventral hernia repair.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVH) requires several skin incisions for trocar placement. We have developed a single incision approach to LVH repair. The technique was introduced in clinical practice to any consenting patients who were candidates for a standard multi-port laparoscopic hernia repair. A consecutive series of patients was then followed to evaluate feasibility. METHODS: Over an 8-month period, 14 patients (9 females, 5 males) underwent LVH repair by an academic surgeon. One of 2 access methods was used in each patient through a single 1.5-cm to 2-cm skin incision. One technique utilized two 5-mm ports with a temporarily placed 11-mm port for mesh insertion. The second technique utilized the SILS port (Covidien, Norwalk, CT). Standard or roticulating laparoscopic instruments were used with both techniques. RESULTS: Range (mean) BMI: 23 to 59 (38), Age: 26 to 73 years (53), DURATION: 37 to 87 minutes (57), Defect size: 1cm to 8cm (2), 3 with Swiss-cheese defect hernias. The procedure was successfully performed in all patients. No conversions to a multiple-port approach or to an open procedure were necessary. There were no mortalities, major complications, or recurrences during the mean follow-up period of 4 weeks. CONCLUSION: Single incision ventral hernia repair is technically feasible, effective, and reproducible. The technique is easy to master, and safe for any patient who is a candidate for laparoscopic ventral hernia repair. Further data collection with long-term follow-up will be needed to ensure equivalent outcomes. There will be demand for this approach by patients for cosmetic reasons, and it may serve as a bridge to natural orifice techniques.

Laparoscopic repair of interparietal abdominal wall hernias.

Interparietal hernias are rare abdominal defects where intraabdominal contents protrude between layers of the abdominal wall. There is limited experience using laparoscopic technique for repairing substantially large interparietal hernias. Computed tomography scans of both cases herein demonstrated intact external oblique, but the internal oblique and transversus abdominis were widely detached from the linea semilunaris. Our experience demonstrates the largest interparietal hernias treated entirely with laparoscopic repair, which successfully resolved symptoms and abdominal wall irregularity, as well as allowed discharge on the first postoperative day without complication.

Small Bowel Obstruction.

Identifying patients with small bowel obstruction who need operative intervention and those who will fail nonoperative management is a challenge. Without indications for urgent intervention, a computed tomography scan with/without intravenous contrast should be obtained to identify location, grade, and etiology of the obstruction. Most small bowel obstructions resolve with nonoperative management. Open and laparoscopic operative management are acceptable approaches. Malnutrition needs to be identified early and managed, especially if the patient is to undergo operative management. Confounding conditions include age greater than 65, post Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, inflammatory bowel disease, malignancy, virgin abdomen, pregnancy, hernia, and early postoperative state.

Acute effects of suction retraction on atrial hemodynamics and histology.

OBJECTIVES: In minimally invasive and robotic mitral valve surgery, a blade retractor is used to elevate the left atrial roof, which often distorts tissue and impairs visualization. We tested the hemodynamic and histologic changes of intra-atrial suction, using a new suction retractor that may improve stabilization and visualization. METHODS: Swine were divided into 3 equal (n = 4) groups: blade retractor, suction retractor, and arrested heart control. Left atrial ultrasonic crystals were used to record ejection fractions. After cardioplegic arrest, the atrium was opened and sampled for preretractor histology. Retractors remained in place for 1 hour, followed by postretractor histologic sampling. Controls were crossclamped for an equivalent time and postarrest histologic data obtained. Animals were weaned from bypass, data were collected for 4 hours, and postsacrifice atrial histologic samples were obtained. RESULTS: The main effect due to treatment was not statistically significant ( P = .52) between the 3 groups, with the 4-hour average ejection fraction for blade retractor, suction retractor, and control being statistically equivalent at 33.3% +/- 8.3, 35.3% +/- 12.1, and 40.8% +/- 9.9 (mean +/- standard deviation), respectively. Histology showed equivalent amounts of myocyte fragmentation, interstitial edema, eosinophilia, and wavy fibers between blade retraction and suction retraction, while the latter showed slightly increased amounts of hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS: Atrial endocardial suction retraction appears to be safe with no acute changes in the left atrial ejection fraction or significant acute histologic differences, compared to blade retraction. Furthermore, intra-atrial suction may be applicable to procedures other than minimally invasive and robotic mitral valve repair for providing improved stabilization.

Reexamining contraindications for minimally invasive mitral valve surgery.

Historically, contraindications to minimally invasive or robotic mitral valve surgery have included prior mastectomy, thoracic reconstruction, or chest radiation. However, we believe that by granting flexibility in the choice of skin incision site while performing careful dissection, surgeons can provide these patients the outstanding results afforded by a minithoracotomy. We present a patient who had undergone a prior mastectomy and radiation treatment in whom we performed a minimally invasive mitral valve repair through a right-sided minithoracotomy using the previous mastectomy incision.

Laparoscopic omental harvest for flap coverage in complex mediastinitis.

Mediastinitis is one of the most serious complications of cardiac surgery. The standard of care in mediastinitis includes thorough sequential debridement, flap coverage, and culture-directed antibiotics. The most frequently utilized muscles for flap reconstruction include the rectus abdominus and the pectoralis major. However, in some instances these flaps may be inadequate, unavailable, or fail, thus requiring an alternative choice or adjuvant. Most coronary graft procedures utilize the left internal mammary artery, frequently eliminating the left rectus muscles, while prior open cholecystectomy patients frequently lose availability of their right rectus muscle. In addition, radiation therapy or prior flap failure may exclude other muscle transfer procedures. The omentum offers excellent coverage due to mobility and superb arterial and lymphatic flow. Unfortunately, in the past, this has required a celiotomy in an already critically ill patient. We present a series of 5 patients where the omentum was mobilized laparoscopically and passed through an anterior diaphragmatic incision. This option spares a celiotomy, seals the wound, and hastens recovery in very ill patients. We also present a complete review of literature on the topic and provide an algorithm for complex sternal wound reconstruction.

Sutureless robot-assisted mitral valve repair: an animal model.

BACKGROUND: Robotic mitral valve repair with the da Vinci robotic surgical system has been performed in more than 70 patients at our institution. This procedure reduces the need for blood transfusions, shortens hospital stay, and hastens return to normal activities. However, the robot-assisted repair also requires longer cardiopulmonary bypass and arrested-heart times than conventional open repairs. Because of increased risk of myocardial damage, arrhythmia, and other significant morbidities associated with longer arrested-heart time, a more efficient tissue approximation and adherence technique was evaluated to reduce operating time. METHODS: Twelve Dorset sheep were divided equally into 2 groups. In the control group Cosgrove-Edwards annuloplasty bands were secured to the posterior annulus with conventional 2-0 Ticron mattress sutures placed with robotic assistance. In the experimental group, the band was secured with double-armed nitinol U-clips placed with robotic assistance. Postoperative echocardiography was used to assess mitral valve function, and the animals were sacrificed at 3 or 6 months for histological evaluation. RESULTS: Total U-clip placement time was significantly decreased at 2.6 +/- 0.2 (mean +/- SEM) minutes versus total suture placement time at 4.9 +/- 0.4 minutes (P =.001). The main difference in time occurred between clip deployment at 0.75 +/- 0.1 minutes and suture tying at 2.78 +/- 0.2 minutes (P =.000003). Pathologic review showed excellent band incorporation at 3 and 6 months. Echocardiographic imaging showed no discernible mitral valve stenosis or regurgitation. CONCLUSIONS: With more cardiac procedures progressing toward minimally invasive approaches, novel technology to improve existing techniques must be evaluated. Nitinol U-clips help to reduce arrested-heart time and may improve outcome by decreasing morbidity. U-clip placement is intuitive, easily learned, and effective in securing the annuloplasty band to the mitral annulus.

Economics of abdominal wall reconstruction.

The economic aspects of abdominal wall reconstruction are frequently overlooked, although understandings of the financial implications are essential in providing cost-efficient health care. Ventral hernia repairs are frequently performed surgical procedures with significant economic ramifications for employers, insurers, providers, and patients because of the volume of procedures, complication rates, the significant rate of recurrence, and escalating costs. Because biological mesh materials add significant expense to the costs of treating complex abdominal wall hernias, the role of such costly materials needs to be better defined to ensure the most cost-efficient and effective treatments for ventral abdominal wall hernias.

Bouveret syndrome: gallstone ileus of the duodenum.

This is a case of a 59-year-old woman with Bouveret syndrome. An initial endoscopic approach to management is described. Gallstone ileus occurs when a gallstone passes from a cholecystoduodenal fistula or a choledochoduodenal fistula into the gastrointestinal tract and causes obstruction, usually at the ileocecal valve. Bouveret syndrome is a variant of gallstone ileus where the gallstone lodges in the duodenum or pylorus causing a gastric outlet obstruction. The endoscopic and surgical management of this process are important to keep in mind and may be evolving as endoscopic therapies improve.

Effect of Vacuum Assisted Closure Therapy on early systemic cytokine levels in a swine model.

Vacuum Assisted Closure (V.A.C.) Therapy has previously been shown to facilitate healing of wounds. However, the physiological mechanism(s) of this treatment modality and its systemic effects require further investigations. The goal of this porcine study was to investigate the effect of V.A.C. Therapy on the systemic distribution of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-10, and transforming growth factor-beta1. Twelve pigs were each given one full-thickness excisional wound, using electrocautery. Six of the pigs were treated with V.A.C. Therapy and six with saline-moistened gauze. Serum samples were collected immediately after wound creation, and hourly for 4 hours. Samples were analyzed using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. During the initial 4 hours of treatment, V.A.C. Therapy resulted in earlier and greater peaking of IL-10 and maintenance of IL-6 levels compared with saline-moistened gauze controls, which showed decreased IL-6 values over the first hour (both at p<0.05). No other treatment-based differences were detected.

Robotic mitral valve annuloplasty with double-arm nitinol U-clips.

PURPOSE: Robotic mitral valve repair increases precision however operative times are longer. Prior studies have indicated that robotic knot tying is time consuming and it is without potential room for improvement. We therefore investigated tissue approximation devices that may shorten operative times. DESCRIPTION: A 67-year-old female was approached through a right mini-thoracotomy with the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA). Using 12 nitinol U-clips (Coalescent Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA) an annuloplasty band was placed under robotic guidance. Clip placement and deployment times were recorded and statistical comparisons were assessed to prior suture annuloplasties. EVALUATION: Clip placement time was 1.3 +/- 0.9 (minutes +/- standard deviation), statistical comparison with first, most recent, and all prior suture annuloplasties proving no significance. Clip deployment time was 0.5 +/- 0.2, whereas knot-tying times and respective statistical comparison for first, most recent, and all prior suture annuloplasties were 2.0 +/- 0.7 (p = 0.003), 1.2 +/- 0.4 (p = 0.0004), and 1.6 +/- 0.6 (p < 0.00001). Follow-up echocardiography performed postoperatively, at 3 months, and at 9 months revealed valvular structural integrity with only minimal mitral regurgitation. CONCLUSIONS: U-clips considerably reduce time for annuloplasty over conventional suture and may help reduce operative times as well.