“Patch-Glue” Annular Reconstruction for Mitral Valve Replacement in Severely Calcified Mitral Annulus

Mitral valve replacement in severe annular calcification may be complicated by atrioventricular rupture, left circumflex coronary artery injury, and thromboembolic events. Mitral valve replacement was performed in 2 patients with massive annular calcification, by suturing a Tissucol fibrin glue-treated Teflon patch on the postero-lateral atrial wall. After 30 and 34 months, respectively, the valve was normally functioning and the patients were asymptomatic and free from hemorrhagic and thromboembolic events.