Ultrasonic aortic valve decalcification

Jpn J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2000 May;48(5):312-4. doi: 10.1007/BF03218146.

Abstract

We report a case of calcific aortic stenosis in a 79-year-old man who had undergone aortocoronary bypass. Since ordinary valve replacement was problematic because of severe annular calcification, a small annular diameter, and three patent vein grafts, we performed ultrasonic aortic valve decalcification. As a result, the pressure gradient across the aortic valve decreased from 100 mmHg to 25 mmHg, and the patient is doing well to date at two years after the operation. Although long-term results of ultrasonic aortic valve decalcification are still undetermined, it appears worth considering in cases in which ordinary valve replacement could be extremely difficult.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aortic Valve Stenosis / therapy*
  • Calcinosis / therapy*
  • Coronary Artery Bypass
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Postoperative Complications / therapy
  • Ultrasonic Therapy / methods*