The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Vol 30, 482-486, Copyright © 1980 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Acquired left ventricular-right atrial fistula following aortic valve replacement
NA Silverman, GK Sethi and SM Scott
Intracardiac communications produced as a complication of valve replacement
can result in left-to-right shunts and a poor surgical result. The
successful surgical closure of a left ventricular-right atrial fistula
following aortic valve replacement is discussed. The intricate
relationships of the membranous interventricular septum, the aortic,
mitral, and tricuspid valves, and the aortic root predispose to the
creation of abnormal intracardiac shunts when aggressive debridement of
extensive valvular calcification is performed at the time of valve excision
and replacement.