Cerebral embolic shower secondary to BioGlue use in triple valve surgery.

Hemostasis is a crucial step in cardiac surgery which determines postoperative outcomes. Tissue sealants and glues are necessary to achieve hemostasis in situations where conventional methods are unsuccessful. BioGlue, a commonly used topical hemostatic agent, has been reported to cause systemic embolic complications. We report a case of cerebral embolic shower following the use of BioGlue for posterior aortic suture line bleeding in a 49-year-old lady who underwent triple valve surgery. This report brings to light a rare but devastating complication of BioGlue usage in the present era of complex aortic surgeries. We also postulate a mechanism for BioGlue embolization.

Mitral valve repair for a parachute-like asymmetrical mitral valve during pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Parachute mitral valves (PMV) and parachute-like asymmetrical mitral valves (PLAMV) presenting in adulthood is rare. CASE REPORT: A 27-year-old primigravida, with 25 weeks of amenorrhea, presented with exertional dyspnea (NYHA class-2). She had a PLAMV, severe mitral stenosis, moderate central mitral regurgitation and pulmonary artery systolic pressure of 102 mm Hg. She underwent a successful valve repair. DISCUSSION: PMV/PLAMV and pregnancy present a dual challenge. In our case mitral repair resulted in a near-normal valve function and allowed our patient to safely carry her pregnancy to term.