Unplanned Autotransplantation for Complex Multi-Valve Replacement in a Super Morbid Obese Female: The Challenge of Intraoperative Decision Making

Abstract

Cardiac autotransplantation is a rare technique typically reserved for the treatment of malignant tumors of the left atrium and left ventricle. Even when well planned, it conveys a high risk to the patient. This report discusses the intraoperative progression to an unplanned autotransplant for mitral valve repair while considering some decision making processes that cardiac surgeons make.