Intraoperative Diagnosis of a Stuck Bioprosthetic Valve Leaflet Due to a Loop of Suture After Mitral Valve Replacement.

A stuck mechanical valve leaflet is a well-known cardiovascular complication; however, a stuck bioprosthetic valve is a rare but potentially fatal complication. Herein a case of stuck bioprosthetic mitral valve caused by a loop of suture, which was detected on intraoperative 3-dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiography immediately after cardiopulmonary bypass, is presented. Restricted motion of the 2 leaflets during diastole and incomplete coaptation during systole were observed clearly on 3D imaging. Thus, intraoperative 3D transesophageal echocardiography imaging is useful for detecting such complications immediately after cardiopulmonary bypass.