Numerous publications have reported that valve repair is superior to valve replacement over both the short and long term. Annuloplasty is the first component of mitral valve reconstruction. 14 patients with mitral regurgitation of a rheumatic origin and 1 annular dilatation underwent surgery at the Cardiovascular Clinic at İzmir State Hospital, between May 1991 and January 1995. Number 2 polyester suture was fixed to the annulus, then plication of the posterior anulus was performed so that the sutur was tied to obtain a component mitral valve with the largest possible nonstenotic orifice. Preoperatively, all the patients had a mitral regurgitation that was between 3-4 grades (mean 3.41 ±0.14), diagnosed by colour Doppler echocardiography. Postoperatively (mean 35±6.1 months), an echocardiographic investigation revealed 6 patients: grade 1; 6 patients: grade 2; and 2 patients: no regurgitation (mean 1.28±0.19). Postoperatively, the mitral valve area was found to be 2.74±0.25 cm2 by pressure half-time echocardiography. The left ventricule diastolic diametre was found to be 63±2.9 mm preoperatively, 52±1.7 mm postoperatively (p<0.05). The mean gradient of the mitral valve was 5.72±0.78 mmHg. This annuloplasty technique is used to correct annular dilation over a 10-15 minute period and the annular flexibility was maintained.