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Updated: May 12, 2026
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Implantation of the Syncardia Total Artificial Heart
Published on: July 18, 2014
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Partial heart transplantation for destructive infective endocarditis.
Carlos A Mestres1, Eduard Quintana2
1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery and The Robert WM Frater Cardiovascular Research Institute, The University of the Free State, PO Box 339 (Internal Box G32), Bloemfontein, 9300 South Africa.
Summary
Infective endocarditis can spread beyond heart valves, causing significant tissue damage. This case highlights a complex aortic and pulmonary valve infection requiring extensive surgical repair, including valve replacement and bypass grafting.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Infective endocarditis commonly affects heart valves, but invasive forms can extend to surrounding structures.
- Aortic valve endocarditis poses a risk for extensive local destruction, including abscess and fistula formation.
- Destructive endocarditis necessitates complex surgical interventions beyond simple valve repair or replacement.
Observation:
- A 31-year-old male presented with severe aortic and pulmonary valve endocarditis.
- The patient exhibited a subaortic mural defect, indicating significant tissue loss.
- The invasive nature of the infection led to destructive changes in multiple cardiac structures.
Findings:
- The patient underwent successful patch closure of a ventricular septal defect.
- Aortic and pulmonary root replacement was performed due to extensive damage.
- A right coronary artery bypass graft was necessary to address compromised coronary circulation.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for aggressive progression of infective endocarditis.
- Advanced imaging techniques are crucial for delineating the extent of disease and guiding surgical strategy.
- Complex reconstructive cardiac surgery can effectively manage extensive valve and root destruction from endocarditis.
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