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.