Impact of Konno Procedure on Right Heart Function

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Cardiac Valve Disease

Background:

• The Konno procedure is a left-sided surgical intervention.
• Postoperative right-sided heart failure can occur due to pulmonary or tricuspid valve dysfunction.

Observation:

• A patient with prior mechanical valve replacements underwent the Konno procedure.
• The patient later presented with severe right heart failure, ventricular enlargement, mitral patient-prosthesis mismatch, an iatrogenic ventricular septal defect, and severe pulmonic and tricuspid regurgitation.

Findings:

• The Konno procedure is associated with significant pulmonary valve disruption in up to 16% of cases.
• Complications require timely recognition and management.

Implications:

• Careful evaluation and a high index of suspicion are necessary for managing complications after complex procedures.
• Transcatheter valve technology may benefit patients undergoing complex cardiac surgeries.