title: Acute left main occlusion secondary to embolisation from an aortic valve prosthesis: successful treatment with embolectomy and percutaneous coronary intervention.
abstract: Acute occlusive embolus of the left main coronary artery is a rare and usually catastrophic occurrence. We present a case report of a 59 year old with an aortic valve prosthesis presenting in cardiogenic shock following cessation of warfarin therapy. Angiography demonstrated an acute left main occlusion secondary to emboli from the aortic valve prosthesis. Successful embolectomy was performed by clot aspiration followed by percutaneous coronary angioplasty and stenting. Patient had excellent recovery of myocardial function post procedure and remained well at 6 month follow-up.
authors.forename: Isuru
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Ranasinghe
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Yiannikas
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Brieger
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D015906:Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary; D001021:Aortic Valve; D054059:Coronary Occlusion / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D017128:Embolectomy; D004617:Embolism / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography