Mitral valve replacement in the presence of massive posterior annular calcification

Replacement of the mitral valve in the presence of extensive calcification of the posterior annulus is a technical challenge. The heavily calcified annulus often results in difficulties of seating the prosthesis and later periprosthetic leakage. A radical calcium debridement may leave a friable and thin annulus that contributes to the risks of prosthesis dehiscence and ventricular perforation. To avoid technical difficulties and associated catastrophic complications, we devised a new technique of mitral valve replacement that allows a surgeon to implant a prosthesis securely. This technique involves inserting a larger single tilting disc mechanical valve (Medtronic Hall disc) with intra-atrial anchorage over the posterior sector of the calcified annulus, orienting the working (major) orifice of the mechanical valve anteriorly, and thereby tilting the lesser occluder segment of the disc upward into the atrium and away from the calcification in diastole. By utilizing this method, we have successfully performed mitral valve replacement in two patients who exhibited massive calcification of the posterior mitral annulus. Postoperative transeosophageal echocardiography showed excellent hemodynamic performance of the implanted valves. We therefore recommend this simple, safe, and time-saving procedure as a feasible method to deal with this surgical dilemma.