Misplacement of Left Ventricular Vent as a Cause of Cardioplegia Failure During Routine Open-Heart Surgery

Abstract

We report an unusual cause of failure of successful delivery of antegrade cardioplegia through the aortic root that was caused by the accidental passage of the left ventricular vent catheter across the aortic valve producing acute aortic regurgitation. This problem is best prevented.

Microcirculatory Coherence in Patients with Left Ventricular Assist Devices

“…It has been reported that failed delivery of antegrade cardioplegia caused by the accidental passage of the left ventricular vent catheter across the aortic valve produced acute aortic regurgitation. 2 However, in this case, the cause of aortic regurgitation was not a physical factor such as a catheter.…”

“…Approximately 50 years ago, Vaisman warned that unintended exposure to leaked volatile anesthetics (VAs) could lead to potential health hazards for operating room workers, 1 and the warning caused widespread social concern. 2,3 The operating room environment recently has been improved in this regard by implementing waste anesthetic gas scavenging and air conditioning systems. However, especially during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), there appears to be a VA leak from the oxygenator, leading to occupational exposure.…”

Misplacement of left ventricular vent into the aortic root during a re-do Bentall procedure: a case report

“…Antegrade cardioplegia failure caused by misplacement of the LV vent is an unusual complication and has rarely been reported. Talwar et al [ 4 ] reported a rare case of antegrade cardioplegia failure caused by accidental passage of the LV vent across the aortic valve, thus producing acute AR. Talwar et al [ 4 ] noticed a rigid cord-like structure was palpated in the ascending aorta and speculated that the LV vent was inserted into the aortic root.…”

“…Talwar et al [ 4 ] reported a rare case of antegrade cardioplegia failure caused by accidental passage of the LV vent across the aortic valve, thus producing acute AR. Talwar et al [ 4 ] noticed a rigid cord-like structure was palpated in the ascending aorta and speculated that the LV vent was inserted into the aortic root. In contrast, we diagnosed misplacement of the LV vent in the aortic root by TEE.…”