Acute biological mitral valve thrombosis after the left atrial venting in a patient with a venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenator

Background: Left atrial venting through atrial septotomy in patients with decreased left ventricular (LV) contractility after venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is a simple and effective method for treating LV decompression. Materials & Methods: We report a case of prosthetic mitral valve thrombosis after left atrial venting in a patient with VA-ECMO. Results: In patients undergoing mitral valve replacement, left atrial venting reduces the flow through the mitral valve and forms a prosthetic thrombosis. Discussion: Therefore, excessive left atrial venting should be avoided. Other venting methods that can maintain the flow through the mitral valve should be considered after mitral valve replacement.