Spontaneous rupture of a mechanical valve in a mitral position (On-X) with migration-embolization to aortic bifurcation from the perspective of the vascular surgeon

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino). 2020 Apr;61(2):256-263. doi: 10.23736/S0021-9509.20.11026-7. Epub 2020 Jan 23.

Abstract

We report on the case of spontaneous rupture of an On-X-pure pyrolytic carbon mechanical valve prosthesis implanted seven years earlier, in a mitral position, at our hospital. The patient was admitted with valvular dysfunction and acute pulmonary edema requiring emergency surgery (prosthesis replacement); the absence of a leaflet was confirmed intraoperatively. The patient presented severe respiratory failure, which prolonged the postoperative period. A CT scan showed that the migrated leaflet was located in the aortic bifurcation with no apparent arterial lesion. Four months later, once the patient had recovered, laparotomy and aortotomy were performed in order to retrieve the leaflet, which was found to have become included (neoendothelized) in the aortic wall without compromising the latter's integrity or obstructing the blood flow. A subsequent CT scan confirmed the persistence of the leaflet in its initial position. The literature review highlights two singular facts: 1) this is the second published case of the escape of a leaflet from an On-X prosthesis (the first patient died); 2) this is the first case in which a laparotomy was performed to retrieve the leaflet but finally a decision was made to leave it in situ. Seven months later, the patient remained asymptomatic.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Bioprosthesis / adverse effects*
  • Cardiac Surgical Procedures / methods
  • Emergency Service, Hospital
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Foreign-Body Migration / diagnostic imaging
  • Foreign-Body Migration / surgery*
  • Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation / adverse effects*
  • Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation / methods
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mitral Valve Insufficiency / diagnostic imaging
  • Mitral Valve Insufficiency / surgery*
  • Prosthesis Failure*
  • Pulmonary Edema / diagnosis
  • Pulmonary Edema / etiology
  • Reoperation / methods
  • Time Factors
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods
  • Treatment Outcome