Endocarditis after percutaneous edge-to-edge in a heart transplant recipient: management through the HeartPort technique

In the case illustrated in this study, a heart transplant recipient received percutaneous mitral edge-to-edge for secondary mitral regurgitation on the basis of increased reoperative risk. After development of mitral endocarditis, reoperation and mitral valve replacement were successfully performed through the HeartPort technique. We discuss the technical aspects, including the positioning of the Intraclude® device and the access to the mitral valve in this context. We address the decision-making issues (role of minimally invasive surgery to reduce operative risk in patients with one or more previous sternotomies).