Hybrid pulmonary valve implantation: injection of a self-expanding tissue valve through the main pulmonary artery

Abstract

An 8-year-old (35 kg) boy presented with progressive right ventricular outflow tract enlargement (28 mm) and progressive tricuspid regurgitation after transannular repair of tetralogy of Fallot and was scheduled for pulmonary valve replacement. To spare reoperation on full sternotomy, a transverse mini-thoracotomy through the third intercostal space was used to implant an injectable 29-mm stented porcine valve directly through an incision of the pulmonary artery bifurcation. The procedure was performed while rapid ventricular pacing and right ventricular unload by a short running femorally implanted cardiopulmonary bypass. The stented valve was fixed with three single sutures to avoid embolization. The interventional result was well with full competence of the valve. The boy was discharged at day 4 after the procedure.