Systemic embolization of the disk occluder of the Wada-Cutter prosthetic valve. A late complication.
The results in 22 patients in the Denver area with Wada-Cutter prostheses were reviewed. There were 14 late deaths, with an average follow-up of six years. Four cases of valve malfunction not related to thrombosis were documented. There were three cases of embolization of the occluder. A survivor is reported. Clinical evaluation of the group suggested new mitral regurgitation to be a sensitive indicator of impending embolization of the occluder. Documentation of valve malfunction warrants valvular replacement.
D004617:Embolism / Q000209:etiology*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000401:mortality; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008943:Mitral Valve / Q000601:surgery*; D008944:Mitral Valve Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology; D009026:Mortality