Open-sleeve technique: A new approach for aortic valve leaflet reconstruction in small children

A boy was diagnosed with a unicuspid aortic valve with severe stenosis at birth. Percutaneous balloon aortic valvuloplasty was performed four times; however, he had severe heart and growth failure. Thus, aortic valve repair was performed at age 2 years and 6 months. He weighed 6.6 kg. The aortic valve annulus diameter was 9.8 mm (z value = 0.43). We report on a small toddler with congenital aortic stenosis who was successfully treated with autologous pericardial aortic valve leaflet reconstruction using the open-sleeve technique.

Spontaneous mechanical aortic valve leaflet dislocation during implantation

Acute or delayed mechanical valve fracture with possible migration is a rare problem seen after valve replacement. We report a patient where mechanical aortic valve leaflet detachment was encountered during implantation. The missing leaflet was retrieved in the left atrium at the level of the right lower pulmonary vein. This has not yet been described, and prompt recognition and intervention is warranted.