The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Vol 27, 181-182, Copyright © 1979 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Prevention of air embolism after mitral valve replacement with a porcine heterograft prosthesis
GA DeLaria, DO Monson and M Weinberg Jr
The production of prosthetic valve incompetence during atriotomy closure is
among the operative maneuvers utilized to prevent air embolism in mitral
valve replacement. The leaflets of a porcine bioprosthesis may be retracted
safely and effectively, thereby producing temporary valve incompetence, by
placing three polypropylene sutures through the valve orifice and around
the sewing ring to encircle the leaflets. These traction sutures are eaily
pulled out through the atriotomy suture line after all air has been
displaced from the heart. The technique has been effective, easily
accomplished, and without complications.