Early Failure of a Bioprosthetic Valve in the Pulmonary Position Causing Panic

Abstract

An asymptomatic 26-year-old woman with repaired tetralogy of Fallot and a bioprosthetic pulmonary valve presented with a large thrombosis occluding most of her right ventricular outflow tract and main pulmonary arteries. Our pulmonary embolism response team was emergently consulted, resulting in considerable discussion regarding the treatment modality given the large size and high-risk nature of the thrombosis. Ultimately, she was started on a heparin infusion until she could undergo open thrombectomy and pulmonary valve repeat replacement. The patient's asymptomatic presentation, despite the considerable clot burden, complicated our approach to management but ultimately led to a measured and timely intervention.