ABSTRACT:
Background :
Surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) carries the known risk of shedding debris into the left ventricle during valve leaflet excision and annulus debridement. Embolization of this debris may have devastating effects for the patient. While surgeons have developed methods to mitigate this risk, no data exists as to their efficacy. Herein, we present the first study that evaluates the efficacy of a technique for capturing debris during SAVR.
Methods :
Our group conducted a prospective case series of 20 patients who underwent SAVR using the insertion of an intraventricular surgical sponge prior to valve leaflet excision and annulus debridement to capture debris. Surgical sponges were grossly, radiographically, and histologically examined for the presence of cellular and acellular debris to determine the efficacy of this technique.