Immediate mitral valve replacement following gunshot wound to the heart

Controversy exists in management of cardiac trauma as to whether or not injuries of the cardiac valves or septum should be repaired at initial operation. A patient is presented who required immediate mitral valve replacement for acute disruption of the mitral valve apparatus following a transventricular gunshot injury. The need to consider early repair or replacement of injured cardiac valves when they appear to have hemodynamic significance is emphasized.