Transapical explantation of an embolized transcatheter valve

Prosthesis embolization represents a severe complication following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We describe a case of ventricular embolization of the Edwards Sapien valve following transapical TAVI. The prosthesis was extracted successfully using the same transapical access. This approach obviated the need for conversion to a median sternotomy to explant the embolized valve. © 2011 Published by European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved