Transapical valve implantation and resuscitation: risk of valve destruction

In this article we illustrate our experience with the destruction of a transapically implanted aortic valve prosthesis due to postoperative cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The fact of the existing risk of the valve damage by chest compression during cardiopulmonary resuscitation should be taken into consideration when discussing the potential exposure of this technology to lower the risk for patients. Furthermore, we introduce a technique of less invasive cardiopulmonary resuscitation that offers the possibility of lowering the risk of compressing the valve.