Overview of the Use of CUSA as a Novel Technique to Aid in Annular Decalcification

Abstract

Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is a major complicating factor in cardiac valve surgery, leading to increased difficulty and complexity in valve replacement. Utilisation of the Cavitron Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirator (CUSA) for annular decalcification has facilitated successful surgical intervention in the setting of severe calcific valve disease in patients who may have otherwise been deemed inoperable or had unsatisfactory surgical outcomes.