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Updated: Aug 12, 2026

A Novel Murine Model of Arteriovenous Fistula Failure: The Surgical Procedure in Detail
Published on: February 3, 2016
Coronary arteriovenous fistula with papillary muscle rupture
1Department of Medicine, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY 11219, USA.
Insights
A patient experienced mitral valve papillary muscle rupture due to a coronary arteriovenous fistula (CAVF). Surgical repair involved fistula ligation, bypass grafting, and valve replacement, marking the first reported case of CAVF-related rupture.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Coronary arteriovenous fistula (CAVF) is a rare anomaly where coronary arteries connect directly to cardiac chambers or veins.
- Chronic ischemia can result from a coronary steal phenomenon, where blood is diverted away from myocardial tissue.
Observation:
- A patient presented with a coronary arteriovenous fistula (CAVF) causing chronic myocardial ischemia.
- This ischemia led to the rupture of a mitral valve papillary muscle.
Findings:
- The patient underwent successful surgical intervention, including ligation of the left circumflex to coronary sinus CAVF.
- Coronary artery bypass grafting and mitral valve replacement were also performed.
Implications:
- This case represents the first documented instance of papillary muscle rupture directly linked to a coronary arteriovenous fistula.
- Highlights the potential for severe ischemic complications from CAVF and the importance of timely surgical management.
Abstract:
We describe a patient who had a coronary arteriovenous fistula (CAVF) and whose mitral valve papillary muscle ruptured from chronic ischemia due to a coronary steal phenomenon. He was treated surgically with ligation of the CAVF (left circumflex to coronary sinus), coronary artery bypass grafting, and mitral valve replacement. This is the first report of papillary muscle rupture related to CAVF.
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