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.