title: Embolization of a complete prosthetic aortic valve to the abdominal aorta. Long-term survival after surgery.
abstract: We describe a case of complete embolization of an aortic valve prosthesis to the abdominal aorta. To our knowledge, this patient is the 1st asymptomatic long-term survivor of this catastrophic event. In such cases, we recommend emergency surgery on the basis of echocardiographic results alone. Delay for more complete diagnostic evaluation is not warranted.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiac Surgery, Molinette University Hospital, Torino, Italy.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Villani
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Leotta
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Cesarani
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Isolato
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001012:Aorta, Abdominal / Q000601:surgery*; D001021:Aortic Valve; D001024:Aortic Valve Stenosis / Q000601:surgery; D004617:Embolism / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D012086:Reoperation; D013997:Time Factors