Prosthetic Valve Removal Technique Using Ultrasonic Scalpel

Prosthetic valve removal for reoperative valve replacement is time consuming and has a risk of damage to the heart because of severe adhesions. Prosthetic valves can be removed quickly, easily, and safely by using an ultrasonic scalpel (Harmonic Scalpel, Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Cincinnati, OH). The space between the prosthesis and the native annulus was carefully dissected using Harmonic Synergy blades connected to an Ethicon Gen11 Generator at...