A Gauze-Pad Wrapping of the Heart Can Save a Patient’s Life

Abstract

We describe one case of iatrogenic rupture of the left ventricle after mitral valve replacement and myectomy of the outflow tract. The cause and site of the rupture could not be identified, neither from the internal nor from the external examination. After unsuccessful use of hemostatic patches in the surface of the ruptured area, wrapping of the ventricles with a surgical gauze pad controlled the hemorrhage, hence saving the patient’s life.

Iatrogenic left ventricular rupture. Remain inventive!

“…I write this letter to bring to the attention of the readers of the Journal one case that, in my opinion, highlights the difficulties identified by Dr David and was treated by a previously undescribed approach (however recently reported elsewhere). 2 I refer to a 79-year-old female patient who had surgery for severe mitral valve regurgitation caused by posterior leaflet prolapse and calcified annulus. She also had hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy with a left ventricular outflow tract gradient of 45 to 50 mm Hg.…”

“…I write this letter to bring to the attention of the readers of the Journal one case that, in my opinion, highlights the difficulties identified by Dr David and was treated by a previously undescribed approach (however recently reported elsewhere). 2 …”