Leaflet escape in Omnicarbon monoleaflet valve.

In almost every type of artificial valve, mechanical disruption has been described. We present the first case of leaflet fracture with aortic embolization in an Omnicarbon monoleaflet valve 42 months after implantation. The 22-year-old male patient suffered of acute respiratory insufficiency and was referred to our hospital as an emergency case. Until a few days before presentation, he was in good condition without clinical complaints. By means of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and abdominal sonography the diagnosis of leaflet fracture with embolization to the abdominal aorta could be made. The patient underwent consecutive operative valve replacement and foreign body extraction that resulted in a complete recovery.