Spontaneous leaflet fracture resulting in embolization from mechanical valve prostheses

Gijs G J van Steenbergen; Queeny H Y Tsang; Stefan M van der Heide; Michel W A Verkroost; Wilson W L Li; Wim J Morshuis

doi:10.1111/jocs.13975

Spontaneous leaflet fracture resulting in embolization from mechanical valve prostheses

J Card Surg. 2019 Mar;34(3):124-130. doi: 10.1111/jocs.13975. Epub 2018 Dec 30.

Authors

Gijs G J van Steenbergen¹, Queeny H Y Tsang¹, Stefan M van der Heide¹, Michel W A Verkroost¹, Wilson W L Li¹, Wim J Morshuis¹

Affiliation

¹ Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.

Abstract

Spontaneous leaflet fracture of mechanical heart valve prostheses is very rare. We describe a case of spontaneous leaflet embolization 31 years after aortic valve replacement with an Edwards-Duromedics prosthesis (Baxter Healthcare Corp., Edwards Division, Santa Ana, CA). We review the literature on this subject to increase awareness and recognition for this potentially life-threatening complication.

Keywords: Bjork Shiley, HFPF; Edwards Duromedics; aortic valve replacement; cavitation; emergency surgery; leaflet escape; valve failure.

Publication types

Case Reports

MeSH terms

Aortic Valve / surgery*
Aortic Valve Insufficiency / etiology
Aortic Valve Insufficiency / surgery
Bioprosthesis
Emergencies
Endocarditis / surgery
Heart Valve Prosthesis / adverse effects*
Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation / adverse effects*
Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation / methods*
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Prosthesis Failure / adverse effects*
Shock, Cardiogenic / etiology
Time Factors
Treatment Outcome
Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / etiology
Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / surgery