Malfunctioning of the Meadox bioprosthesis placed in mitral position. Description of 2 clinical cases

The Meadox valve, made up by a single bovine pericardial leaflet fixed in glutaraldehyde, is a "new-generation" bio-prostheses. In two patients those bio-prostheses revealed early malfunction with abnormal stretching of the valvular tissue. In both cases the beginning symptom was a strong fremitus caused by the vibration, during systole, of valvular leaflet. In the first case mechanical solicitation onsed partial laceration of valvular leaflet with subsequent regurgitation into the left atrium and cardiac failure. In both cases, the evaluation by Doppler Echocardiography and polygraphic examination, allowed the diagnose of malfunction which was confirmed at surgery. The replacement of a new prosthesis was successful in both cases.