Early bioprosthetic mitral valve failure due to fusion of the cusps.

Modern extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support has revolutionized the survival outcome of critically ill patients with refractory cardiac failure. Mitral valve replacement in patients treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation poses a surgical challenge regarding the choice of appropriate prosthesis. We present two cases of mitral valve bioprosthetic failure within days to weeks after valve replacement. Both patients were supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation postoperatively, and the bioprosthetic failure was caused by fusion of the cusps. This mechanism of mitral valve bioprosthetic failure in combination with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation treatment has not previously been described.