Fatal obstruction of the left ventricular outflow tract caused by low-profile bioprostheses in the mitral valve position.
Two cases of fatal left ventricular outflow tract obstruction following mitral valve replacement with low-profile bioprostheses are described. This unfortunate experience shows that correct orientation of the prosthesis is mandatory also when using low-profile bioprosthetic valves to avoid this complication, particularly in patients with a small left ventricular cavity.
Bortolotti
U
U
Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, University of Padova Medical School, Italy.
Milano
A
A
Tursi
V
V
Minarini
M
M
Thiene
G
G
Mazzucco
A
A
D000368:Aged; D001705:Bioprosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D008943:Mitral Valve / Q000601:surgery*; D014694:Ventricular Outflow Obstruction / Q000209:etiology*