Acute biological mitral valve thrombosis after the left atrial venting in a patient with a venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenator

BACKGROUNDLeft atrial venting through atrial septotomy in patients with decreased left ventricular (LV) contractility after venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is a simple and effective method for treating LV decompression. MATERIALS & METHODSWe report a case of prosthetic mitral valve thrombosis after left atrial venting in a patient with VA-ECMO. RESULTSIn patients undergoing mitral valve replacement, left atrial venting reduces the flow through the mitral valve and forms a prosthetic thrombosis. DISCUSSIONTherefore, excessive left atrial venting should be avoided. Other venting methods that can maintain the flow through the mitral valve should be considered after mitral valve replacement.