Plaster pipes and crystalized graphite: Open transventricular transcatheter aortic valve replacement for failed mechanical aortic valve prostheses in the porcelain aorta

Abstract

Patients with a true porcelain aorta and a failed mechanical aortic valve prosthesis have limited treatment options. Using a hybrid of an open trans-ventricular approach with peripheral cardiopulmonary bypass and integration of transcatheter techniques this challenge can be overcome. Trans-ventricular mechanical valve extraction (with transcatheter endovascular occlusion and cardioplegia) followed by direct ante-grade transcatheter heart valve implantation offers a potential solution to this conundrum. The procedure described is a novel technique that allows for the effective treatment of patients with failed mechanical surgical aortic valve prostheses in the setting of an inoperable porcelain aorta. In addition, a collaborative integrated multi-disciplinary heart team environment is required for the management of these complex patients.

Keywords: failed mechanical valve prosthesis; porcelain aorta; transcatheter aortic valve implantation; transcatheter aortic valve replacement; transventricular TAVI; transventricular TAVR.