Acute coronary artery obstruction after aortic valve replacement surgery and role of transesophageal echocardiography

ABSTRACT

Acute coronary artery obstruction is a rare but fatal complication of surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR). Sudden coronary spasm, embolization of calcium plaque, and surgical factors can induce acute coronary syndrome after AVR. Here, we report a case of left main coronary ostial obstruction that occurred immediately after weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass. This case highlights the importance of coronary ostial flow patency and assessment of regional wall motion abnormalities with intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography in AVR.