Repeated valve replacement surgery: technical tips and pitfalls

For successful repeated valve replacement surgery, it is essential issue that the preoperative evaluation includes an assessment of the previous operation record, computed tomography (CT: including 3D-CT), ultrasound cardiography, coronary artery angiography, and so on. Although it is especially needed for repeated valve replacement surgery, setting up of the external defibrillation pads is the most important preparation just prior to the surgery. In regard to the approach, re-sternotomy is frequently employed as a standard fashion because it allows us to re-entry any part of the heart. As alternative approaches, partial sternotomy, right thoracotomy for minimally invasive cardiac surgery approach have also been highlighted recently. Myocardial protection is another important consideration in repeated valve replacement surgery, especially in post-coronary artery bypass grafting cases with a patent internal thoracic artery. In repeated valve replacement surgery, special and unique techniques are required both for taking the affected prosthetic valve out and for implanting a new valve, which is dependent on the types of the previous prosthetic valve and the condition of the affected prosthetic valve. Therefore, for performing repeated valve replacement surgeries, surgeons should be highly skilled in these special techniques.