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Mitral valve replacement in the first three months of life
British Heart Journal
|November 1, 1984
Insights
Mitral valve replacement in infants using Björk-Shiley mechanical valves showed mixed outcomes. One infant survived three years, while another died due to complications including thrombosis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Severe congenital mitral regurgitation poses significant risks to infants.
- Surgical intervention is often necessary when valve repair is not feasible.
Abstract:
Two infants, aged 2 and 3 months, underwent mitral valve replacement with Björk-Shiley mechanical valves for severe congenital mitral regurgitation not amenable to valve repair. Both infants survived the operation and left hospital taking a low dose aspirin anticoagulant regimen. One child survived for three years without incident, but the other died at 11 months of pneumonia after valve replacement for tissue ingrowth and subsequent thrombosis.