Journal Published Online: 01 November 1987
Volume 32, Issue 6

Embolization of Cotton Pledgets Following Insertion of Porcine Cardiac Valve Bioprostheses

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

A variety of complications involving heart valve implants have been documented. Embolism originating from thrombosis of the valve has been a recurrent problem in mechanical and to a lesser extent porcine implants. We report two accidental deaths as a result of embolization of cotton pledgets from porcine valves. Hospital personnel failed to remove this cotton material from the valves before surgical placement. In the first case, when portions of the pledgets embolized to both carotid arteries, fatal cerebral infarction occurred. In the second case, portions of the pledgets embolized to a coronary artery producing severe left ventricular failure.

Author Information

Lifschultz, BD
University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago, Chicago, IL
Donoghue, ER
University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago, Chicago, IL
Leestma, JE
Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Boade, WA
Laboratory of Clinical Medicine, Sioux Falls, SD
Pages: 5
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS11237J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS11237J