Routine aortic valve replacement followed by a myriad of complications: Role of 3D printing in a difficult cardiac surgical case

Abstract

Aortic valve replacement (AVR) is a routine cardiac surgical intervention that is rarely associated with severe complications. In this report, we present a complex and unique case following AVR in a middleaged woman. We show the growing necessity for a strong cooperation between interventional cardiologists and cardiac surgeons, together with the emerging role of cardiac tomography based three-dimensional printing technique in planning and executing precision surgery within the chest.