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An Image Guided Transapical Mitral Valve Leaflet Puncture Model of Controlled Volume Overload from Mitral Regurgitation in the Rat
Published on: May 19, 2020
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On-X mitral valve leaflet embolization presenting as acute pulmonary oedema
Lindiwe Sidali1, Nandipha Ndibi2, Manogran Moopanar2
1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of Kwa Zulu Natal, Durban, South Africa. lindsidali@gmail.com.
Summary
Structural valve failure, a rare but potentially fatal complication, can occur in prosthetic cardiac valves. Prompt diagnosis and emergency surgery are crucial for patients presenting with circulatory collapse after valve replacement.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
- Clinical Cardiology
Background:
- Structural valve failure, including leaflet fracture and embolization, is an uncommon complication of prosthetic cardiac valves.
- Severe valve regurgitation leading to pulmonary edema necessitates urgent diagnosis in patients with prosthetic valves.
- Echocardiography plays a critical role in identifying the cause of prosthetic valve dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of prosthetic mitral valve leaflet fracture and embolization.
- To highlight the importance of prompt diagnosis and management of structural valve failure.
- To emphasize the need for emergency surgical intervention in critical cases.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 21-year-old male with acute pulmonary edema.
- Diagnosis of On-X mitral valve leaflet fracture and embolization four years post-implantation.
- Successful emergency redo mitral valve replacement surgery.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with acute pulmonary edema secondary to prosthetic valve failure.
- Surgical intervention confirmed leaflet fracture and embolization.
- The patient experienced a good outcome following emergency redo valve replacement.
Conclusions:
- Prosthetic valve leaflet fracture and embolization is an extremely rare and potentially fatal complication.
- Clinical expertise is vital for rapid diagnosis of circulatory collapse in patients with prior cardiac surgery.
- Emergency redo valve replacement surgery is indicated once the diagnosis of structural valve failure is established.
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