Unique tissue mitral valve replacement with lateral thoracotomy which survived more than expected: a case report

Abstract

Background: Mechanical prosthetic heart valves have been used for many decades to replace damaged native valves. Unlike sternotomy incision, the right lateral thoracotomy seems to be favorable regarding resource-related outcomes. Case Presentation: We present the case of a 57-year-old female who underwent mechanical mitral valve (MV) replacement (MVR) in 2006. However, this patient has been well since the surgery, and there were no complications of the MV. The reported case has no complications after 17 years of MVR. Based on our information, she may be the only patient who has not shown signs of MVR surgery on X-ray and has been well after 17 years of MVR. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first report of a unique tissue MVR which survived for more than 17 years.