Table 1 Major inclusion and exclusion criteria

Major inclusion criteria

Indications for MV surgery for significant mitral regurgitation

Patient selected for elective MIMVS

Age >18 years and <80 years

Provision of written informed consent

Major exclusion criteria

Age <18 years and >80 years

Peripheral vascular disease

Permanent or paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

Atrial septal defects

Previous cardiac surgery

Dilatation of the ascending aorta

Contraindications to MR imaging (e.g., permanent pacemaker in situ, tatoo, claustrophobia, etc.)

Neurocognitive impairment

Previous stroke or transient ischemic attack

Autoimmune diseases

Neoplastic diseases

Cerebral inflammatory diseases

Chronic headache

Celiac disease

Drug and alcohol abuse