Indications for Emergency Surgery for Mitral and Aortic Valve Disease

Abstract

Emergency valve surgery in acute valvular disease is usually performed for hemodynamic instability, uncontrolled infections or to prevent embolism. Endocarditis, aortic dissection, mechanical complications of acute myocardial infarction or prosthetic valve dysfunction are the most common presentations. Contraindications to surgery and extracorporeal circulation, especially neurological should be excluded. Anesthetic management is challenging and surgery should be as conservative as possible.