A Case of Prosthetic Valve Dysfunction in the Aortic Position: Caused by Pannus Formation

ABSTRACT

Prosthetic valve dysfunction caused by pannus formation is an infrequent but serious complication of heart valve replacement. Although the precise mechanisms of the pannus formation are not clearly understood, it is considered to be the result of a bioreaction to the mechanical prosthesis. Prosthetic valve design, surgical techniques, infection, and inadequate anticoagulation also contribute to the pannus formation. In this report, we present one patients who had undergone aortic valve replacement(AVR) with the 20-mm Medtronic Hall prosthetic valve and underwent repeated AVR due to pannus ingrowth in the late postoperative period.