title: Unusual complication after aortic valve replacement with the Freedom Solo stentless bioprosthesis.
abstract: The case is presented of an unusual complication after aortic valve replacement with a Freedom Solo bioprosthesis. Excision of the aortic valve created a discontinuity of the aortic annulus that was missed intraoperatively and left uncorrected after supra-annular placement of the bioprosthesis; this created a pseudoaneurysm with direct communication to the pericardial cavity. When implanting the Freedom Solo bioprosthesis, care must be taken to exclude the presence of any aortic annular discontinuity. Implantation of the Freedom Solo bioprosthesis is not precluded by this possible complication, provided that any annular disruption is promptly recognized and adequately closed before placement of the supra-annular sutures.
authors: Sections of Cardiac Surgery, Cardiac Thoracic and Vascular Department, University of Pisa Medical School, Pisa, Italy.
authors: Michele
authors: M
authors: Celiento
authors: Giovanni
authors: G
authors: Scioti
authors: Stefano
authors: S
authors: Pratali
authors: Fabio
authors: F
authors: Guarracino
authors: Uberto
authors: U
authors: Bortolotti
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D017541:Aneurysm, False / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D001021:Aortic Valve / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D001705:Bioprosthesis; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D017548:Echocardiography, Transesophageal; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis; D019918:Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D013536:Suture Techniques