Minimally-invasive surgical explantation of a partially detached
Cardioband device
Abstract
Transcatheter repair systems are becoming increasingly popular as a
potential solution for high-risk and inoperable patients with mitral
regurgitation. The Cardioband (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, California)
is a transcatheter direct annuloplasty device, based on the concept of
an undersized ring annuloplasty. We report a case of minimally invasive
surgical explantation of a failed Cardioband device 21 months after its
implantation. Intraoperatively, it was found that3 anchors of the
Cardioband device were detached from the posterior annulus at P2. In
this report, a “cut and unscrew” technique with some tips and tricks
is presented for the removal of the device.