[Mitral Valve Replacement Under Cardiac Arrest Using Systemic Hyperkalemia in a Patient with Atheromatous Aorta]

Atsushi Yano1, Kouhei Ishido, Toshio Katsube

  • 1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Sakakibara Heart Institute, Fuchu, Japan.

Insights

This study presents a successful mitral valve replacement and coronary artery bypass grafting using systemic hyperkalemia. This technique avoided aortic clamping, preventing neurological complications in a patient with severe aortic atheroma.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Cardiac Anesthesia

Background:

  • A 78-year-old male presented with heart failure, severe mitral regurgitation, and coronary artery disease.
  • Severe atheromatous ascending aorta posed a contraindication for aortic clamping during surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe a novel surgical approach for mitral valve replacement and coronary artery bypass grafting in a patient with a severely atheromatous aorta.
  • To evaluate the safety and efficacy of systemic hyperkalemia-induced cardiac arrest without aortic cross-clamping.

Main Methods:

  • The patient underwent mitral valve replacement and coronary artery bypass grafting under mild hypothermia.
  • Cardiac arrest was achieved using systemic hyperkalemia, with a superior transseptal approach utilized.
  • Aortic cross-clamping was avoided, and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time was managed with dilutional ultrafiltration to remove potassium.

Main Results:

  • The surgical procedure was completed successfully without aortic cross-clamping.
  • The patient was uneventfully separated from cardiopulmonary bypass.
  • No neurological complications were observed, and the patient was discharged 15 days post-surgery.

Conclusions:

  • Mitral valve replacement using systemic hyperkalemia-induced cardiac arrest without aortic cross-clamping is a viable and safe alternative.
  • This technique is particularly beneficial in patients with contraindications to aortic clamping, such as severe aortic atheroma.
  • The approach effectively mitigates the risk of neurological complications associated with aortic manipulation.