Yonsei Med J.  2006 Jun;47(3):440-442. 10.3349/ymj.2006.47.3.440.

Tearing of the Mitral Valve during Vent Removal after a Successful Mitral Valve Repair: a Beneficial Role of Transesophageal Echocardiography

• Kim JY
• Oh YJ
• Lee YK
• Kwak YL

• KMID: 1715867
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3349/ymj.2006.47.3.440

Abstract

In this case, a successful mitral valve repair was confirmed by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) at the end of a cardiopulmonary bypass. The left ventricular vent was placed through the mitral valve to remove the air after the TEE examination, and on its way out, the left ventricular vent damaged the anterior mitral leaflet (AML). Re-examination of the valve with TEE detected the new mitral valve insufficiency. The CPB was reinstituted, and tearing of the lateral third part of the anterior mitral leaflet was found. This case emphasizes the importance of TEE in the operating room as a continuous monitor, not only to evaluate the result of the cardiac surgery, but also to detect any unpredictable events during the surgery.

Keyword

Transesophageal echocardiography; mitral valve insufficiency

MeSH Terms

Mitral Valve Insufficiency/*surgery/*ultrasonography
Mitral Valve/*injuries/surgery
Middle Aged
Intraoperative Complications/surgery
Humans
Female
*Echocardiography, Transesophageal
Cardiopulmonary Bypass/*adverse effects

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Transesophageal echocardiography shows evidence of mitral valve insufficiency after the removal of the left ventricular vent.

• 

  Fig. 2 Transesophageal echocardiography, after the repair of the anterior mitral leaflet ruptured by the removal of the left ventricular vent, shows no residual mitral valve insufficiency.

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