Surgical explantation of a partially detached cardioband device

Transcatheter repair systems are becoming increasingly popular as a potential solution for high-risk and inoperable patients with mitral regurgitation. The cardioband (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, California) is a transcatheter direct annuloplasty device, based on the concept of an undersized ring annuloplasty. We report a case of minimally invasive surgical explantation of a failed cardioband device 21 months after its implantation. Intraoperatively, it was found that three anchors of the cardioband device were detached from the posterior annulus at P2. In this report, a "cut and unscrew" technique with some tips and tricks is presented for the removal of the device.