Consequences of PTFE Membrane Used for Prevention of Re-Entry Injuries in Rheumatic Valve Disease

Background. The value of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) surgical membrane as a pericardium substitute in patients who undergo reoperation for rheumatic valve disease is reported in this observational study. Methods. PTFE was used for pericardial closure in 56 rheumatic valve patients. During reoperation of seven cases, adhesions were classified as none, minimal, moderate to severe and scored in the sections of heart. Data found at reoperations were collected prospectively in all patients. Results. Seven of 56 patients reoperated mean period of 67.1 ±23.4 (SD) months later. No infection, complication and operative or late death attributable to the membrane were observed. There were two right ventricular, three minimal right atrial and one innominate vein lacerations during resternotomy and all of them were controlled. During histological examination, a microscopically significant foreign body reaction was found. Conclusion. PTFE membrane produced an undesirable fibrous membrane that obscured the epicardial anatomy and hardened the dissection in patients with rheumatic heart disease.