LATE SPONTANEOUS DISRUPTION OF A PORCINE XENOGRAFT MITRAL-VALVE - CLINICAL, HEMODYNAMIC, ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC, AND PATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS

Abstract

A case is presented of failure of a Hancock porcine xenograft mitral prosthesis secondary to disruption of the prosthetic leaflets. Clinical, hemodynamic and echocardiographic evidence of prosthetic dysfunction was correlated with operative, pathological and ultrastructural findings. Other instances of dysfunction of this prosthesis were reviewed. Echocardiography should be routinely employed when the diagnosis of xenograft dysfunction is entertained.