CREATION OF A SECONDARY VENTRICULAR OUTLET TO REVERSE HEMOLYSIS AFTER AORTIC VALVE REPLACEMENT.
A 66-year-old woman developed severe hemolysis after undergoing aortic valve replacement. A diminutive annulus and extensive calcification of the aorta precluded further surgery of the aortic root. Hemolysis was completely reversed by the implantation of a woven Dacron apicoabdominal aortic conduit incorporating a Cooley-Cutter prosthetic valve. Fractionation of stroke volume by means of a second ventricular outlet can reduce shear stresses and turbulence associated with unfavorable hemodynamic conditions, thereby successfully correcting hemolysis.
Ott
David A.
DA
Division of Surgery of the Texas Heart Institute, St. Luke's Episcopal and Texas Children's Hospitals, Houston, Texas.
Cooley
Denton A.
DA
Norman
John C.
JC