Limitations
Our study has several limitations. First, it was retrospective and
involved a small number of patients. Therefore, the differences in the
patients’ backgrounds between the two groups could not be statistically
adjusted. This issue should be addressed in future prospective studies
containing larger numbers of patients. Second, we used two types of
rings and two types of suturing techniques when performing TV repair.
The type of ring and technique should be unified in future studies.
Third, we could not clarify the mechanism of residual TR in patients
with posterior leaflets in spite of using shoulder point fitting method.
Finally, because our study was limited to the perioperative results,
further evaluation should also involve the mid-term follow-up period.