[Relative valve area stenosis after replacement of a Starr-Edwards mitral valve (model 6520) for corrected TGA (S, L,...

The patient was a 38-year-old man who had undergone mitral valve replacement with a Starr-Edwards disc valve (model 6520, 3 M, phi 30 mm, functional valve area: 2.85 cm2) at the age of 15 years for TR combined with corrected TGA. He developed dyspnea on exertion and palpitations at the age of 30 years, and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia appeared at the age of 35 years. Cardiac catheterization revealed that the PCWP was 30 mmHg and the TVA was 1.1 cm2, and a diagnosis of stenosis of the prosthetic valve was made. Thus, replacement of the Starr-Edwards disc valve using a BICARBON double leaflet valve (phi 27 mm, functional valve area: 2.85 cm2) was performed. The operative findings of the Starr-Edwards disc valve revealed a normal appearance and no pannus growth. Postoperative echocardiography and cardiac catheterization found that the TVA was 3.7 cm2 and the PCWP was 13 mmHg. The actual valve area of the disc valve sewn on the ventrical, which was anatomically RV construction might have been smaller than the ideal area; however, the double leaflet valve proved efficient in our patient. This case report serves to demonstrate that because of the postoperative difference in measurement between the actual valve area and the prostheticin ball or disc valve, patients undergoing mitral valve replacement must be followed up carefully.