Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2026

Use of a Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Device/Left Atrium to Femoral Artery Bypass System for Cardiogenic Shock
Published on: August 16, 2021
Successful thrombolysis of mechanical mitral valve prosthesis in a patient with cardiogenic shock
Christine S Zuern1, Tobias Hoevelborn, Anette Wisbar
1Medizinische Klinik Universitaetsklinikum Tuebingen, Kardiologie, Otfried Mueller Strasse 10, Tuebingen, 72076, Germany.
Abstract:
A 48-year-old woman with cardiogenic shock was admitted to a nearby hospital. Her medical history included mechanical replacement of her mitral valve 4 years previously in Russia because of rheumatic stenosis. On admission, her international normalised ratio (INR) was significantly reduced below the therapeutic limit. A severe stenosis of the valve prosthesis was identified by transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiography and the patient was transferred to our university hospital for discussion of an immediate therapeutic procedure and to ensure cardiac surgical backup. Here, the patient's poor clinical status led to the decision for a non-routine treatment: a successful series of intravenous thrombolysis with alteplase. Clinical symptoms and echocardiographic parameters improved significantly.
Related Concept Videos
Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management
Mitral Regurgitation III: Medical Management
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Mitral Valve Prolapse II: Assessment and Management
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care

