Simple mechanical aortic valve closure in ventricular assist device recipients.

Abstract

Patients with mechanical aortic valves that develop refractory heart failure may require left ventricular assist devices. These patients have an increased risk of postoperative thromboembolic events due to intermittent valve opening. Previously described techniques to address this problem can result in a significantly increased ischemic time. We describe a simple but novel technique to close the mechanical aortic prosthesis in an expeditious manner.