Mitral valve repair complicated by left circumflex coronary artery occlusion: An under-recognized but potentially deadly complication

• Published in: Cardiovascular revascularization medicine 2018-12, Vol.19 (8), p.77-81
• Main Authors: Ahmad, Tariq A., Nudy, Matthew, Pabst, Dirk, Kozak, Mark
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Left circumflex coronary artery injury; Mitral valve repair; Myocardial infarction
• ISSN: 1553-8389; 1878-0938
• DOI: 10.1016/j.carrev.2018.04.020

Mitral valve repair is becoming an increasingly frequent surgery for patients with mitral valve regurgitation. Iatrogenic coronary artery injury and ischemic myocardial compromise have been previously reported in the literature as a rare but serious complication of surgical mitral valve repair. This potentially life-threatening complication should be considered and quickly recognized during perioperative mitral valve repair or replacement to prevent morbidity and mortality. To increase awareness and to prevent this complication from being missed in the future, we present a case report of iatrogenic left circumflex artery dynamic occlusion and subsequent myocardial infarction from mitral valve annuloplasty resulting in severe peri-operative heart failure and death. •A case of left circumflex coronary artery injury during mitral valve repair.•Left circumflex artery injury can also occur with mitral valve replacement including with certain devices used for percutaneous mitral valve repair.•Left circumflex coronary artery injury can lead to severe complications including death and prompt recognition of this complication is imperative.