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Case Reports
. 2019 Mar;34(3):124-130.
doi: 10.1111/jocs.13975. Epub 2018 Dec 30.

Spontaneous leaflet fracture resulting in embolization from mechanical valve prostheses

Gijs G J van Steenbergen  1 , Queeny H Y Tsang  1 , Stefan M van der Heide  1 , Michel W A Verkroost  1 , Wilson W L Li  1 , Wim J Morshuis  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Spontaneous leaflet fracture resulting in embolization from mechanical valve prostheses

Gijs G J van Steenbergen et al. J Card Surg. 2019 Mar.

Abstract

Spontaneous leaflet fracture of mechanical heart valve prostheses is very rare. We describe a case of spontaneous leaflet embolization 31 years after aortic valve replacement with an Edwards-Duromedics prosthesis (Baxter Healthcare Corp., Edwards Division, Santa Ana, CA). We review the literature on this subject to increase awareness and recognition for this potentially life-threatening complication.

Keywords: Bjork Shiley, HFPF; Edwards Duromedics; aortic valve replacement; cavitation; emergency surgery; leaflet escape; valve failure.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Angiography (A) and trans‐thoracic echocardiography (B) showing missing leaflet and aortic regurgitation
Figure 2
Figure 2
Mechanic aortic valve with missing leaflet in anatomic position (A) and after removal (B)
Figure 3
Figure 3
Localization of missing leaflet on computed tomography (A and B). Two‐third of the leaflet was recovered (C) from the deep femoral arteries
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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