First-in-man implantation of a trans-catheter aortic valve in a mitral annuloplasty ring: novel treatment modality for failed mitral valve repair

The trans-catheter valve-in-valve concept has become a feasible therapeutic option for patients with failing degenerated bioprosthesis, who are deemed inoperable. However, little is known about the feasibility of this technique in failed valve annuloplasty. We report the first-in-man implantation of a trans-catheter aortic valve within a mitral annuloplasty ring. Through a trans-apical trans-catheter approach, a 26-mm Sapien-Edwards valve was successfully implanted in a 72-year-old man with ischemic heart failure and failed mitral-valve annuloplasty. The present case report provides a critical appraisal of the procedural technique. (C) 2010 European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.