Prosthetic Valve Removal Technique Using Ultrasonic Scalpel

Publication date: Available online 21 June 2019Source: The Annals of Thoracic SurgeryAuthor(s): Hiroyuki Tsukui, Shizuko Iwasa, Kenji YamazakiAbstractProsthetic valve removal for reoperative valve replacement is time consuming and has a risk of damage to the heart because of severe adhesions. We have developed a quick, easy and safe technique to remove prosthetic valves using an ultrasonic scalpel (Harmonic Scalpel; Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc., Cincinnati, OH, USA).The space between the prosthesis and the native annulus was carefully dissected using HARMONIC SYNERGY® Blades connected to an Ethicon Gen11 Generator at energy level 5. Average time for prosthetic valve removal using an ultrasonic scalpel was 6 minutes 11 seconds. No patient required new permanent pacemaker implantation.
Source: The Annals of Thoracic Surgery - Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Source Type: research