title: Prevention of air embolism after mitral valve replacement with a porcine heterograft prosthesis.
abstract: The production of prosthetic valve incompetence during atriotomy closure is among the operative maneuvers utilized to prevent air embolism in mitral valve replacement. The leaflets of a porcine bioprosthesis may be retracted safely and effectively, thereby producing temporary valve incompetence, by placing three polypropylene sutures through the valve orifice and around the sewing ring to encircle the leaflets. These traction sutures are eaily pulled out through the atriotomy suture line after all air has been displaced from the heart. The technique has been effective, easily accomplished, and without complications.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001705:Bioprosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004618:Embolism, Air / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008722:Methods; D008943:Mitral Valve / Q000601:surgery*; D013552:Swine