Teflon felt embolism of coronary arteries after cardiac surgery: a case report

Am Heart J. 1978 Dec;96(6):802-5. doi: 10.1016/0002-8703(78)90013-3.

Abstract

A case is presented of fatal coronary embolism of Teflon felt used to buttress sutures in the placement of a Björk-Shiley aortic valve prosthesis. The embolism occurred on the tenth postoperative day, lodging in the left anterior descending branch of the left coronary artery 5.5 cm. from the ostium, causing a large anterior myocardial infarct. The patient died in less than 24 hours following the infarct. A review of the literature indicates that this is the first reported case of clinically significant embolism of Teflon felt used in the placement of a Björk-Shiley aortic valve.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Coronary Disease / complications
  • Coronary Disease / etiology*
  • Female
  • Heart Valve Prosthesis
  • Heart Valves / surgery
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Myocardial Infarction / etiology
  • Polytetrafluoroethylene / adverse effects*
  • Sutures / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Polytetrafluoroethylene