Abstract
Artificial aortic valve thrombosis is a rare, but life-threatening complication following surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). Emergent surgical reoperation is required in hemodynamically unstable patients. We present the case of a 58-year-old female with acute thrombosis of a mechanical aortic prosthesis. The initial SAVR had been performed via right anterior mini-thoracotomy. Emergent redo surgery was performed using an upper mini-sternotomy approach. A modified aortotomy technique was applied to remove the thrombosed prosthesis and implant a sutureless valve. This case underscores the value of patient-specific minimally invasive approaches and advanced valve technology in complex redo aortic valve procedures.