Disruption of the silver and non-silver coated sewing cuff of a new generation bileaflet valve prosthesis during aortic valve replacement: report on four cases

Abstract

Fixation of smaller sewing cuffs of mechanical valve prostheses with a critically exposed fixation suture at the ventricular side of the prosthesis represents a significant risk for disruption during the implantation process through cut off by chance. We recommend meticulous inspection of the sewing cuff for signs of disruption before seating the valve into position. During follow-up particular attention should be paid to valve dislodgement and leakage. The company was informed and advised by us to modify the fixation of the prosthetic annulus of the SJM((R)) Regent valve, which has led to an alternative cuff design, called the SJM Flex cuff.