Bioprosthetic valves are used in aortic valve replacement to avoid lifelong anticoagulation. Bovine pericardial valves have excellent haemodynamics and equivalent freedom from reoperation compared with a porcine bioprosthesis [ 1]. However, early failure (parastent post-cusp tear) can take place due to mechanical stress. We report an acute structural failure on a Trifecta pericardial valve (St Jude Medical, Inc.) explanted after 34 months from a 71-year old woman.
Keywords: Aortic valve insufficiency; Bioprosthesis; Reoperation.
© The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.