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Updated: Aug 30, 2026
Standardized Technique of Aortic Valve Re-implantation for Valve-sparing Aortic Root Replacement
Published on: December 11, 2017
Complete detachment of an aortic valve prosthesis 10 years after implantation
P Grubwieser1, M Pavlic, D Hoefer
1Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Innsbruck, Muellerstrasse 44, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria. petra.grubwieser@uibk.ac.at
Insights
A patient experienced sudden death 10 years after aortic valve replacement due to a detached Carbomedics heart valve prosthesis. Autopsy revealed chronic endocarditis at the implantation site, suggesting a late complication of the artificial heart valve.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
- Pathology
Background:
- Aortic valve stenosis secondary to endocarditis necessitates prosthetic valve replacement.
- Carbomedics mechanical valves are commonly used for aortic valve replacement.
- Long-term complications of prosthetic heart valves require ongoing monitoring.
Observation:
- A 47-year-old male with a history of endocarditis underwent aortic valve replacement with a Carbomedics prosthesis.
- Ten years post-surgery, the patient presented with hemolytic anemia and later experienced sudden collapse and death.
- Clinical evaluations did not indicate recurrent endocarditis prior to death.
Findings:
- Autopsy revealed complete detachment of the Carbomedics aortic valve prosthesis from the ascending aorta.
- Histological examination confirmed chronic endocarditis at the valve implantation site.
- The detached prosthesis and associated endocarditis were the likely cause of death.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for late-stage prosthetic valve detachment due to chronic endocarditis.
- It underscores the importance of vigilant long-term surveillance for patients with mechanical heart valves.
- Further research into the mechanisms of late prosthetic valve failure is warranted.
Abstract:
A 47-year-old male patient died unexpectedly 10 years after replacement of the aortic valve with a Carbomedics heart valve prosthesis required for post-endocarditic valve stenosis. The man was in regular medical attendance by his general practitioner and in hospital. Clinical data and examinations did not suggest the reoccurrence of endocarditis. Three months before his death a haemolytic anaemia of unknown genesis was diagnosed. One afternoon, while lifting a heavy object, the man suffered acute chest pain and collapsed. Resuscitation failed and the patient died in hospital. Autopsy revealed the completely detached valve prosthesis within the ascending aorta. Histological examination confirmed a chronic endocarditis at the site of the valve implantation.
