Safe Implantation of a Bovine Bioprosthetic Aortic Valve in a Patient With Galactose-α-1,3-Galactose Allergy.
Chen S, Zeigler S
The Annals of thoracic surgery •
Allergy to galactose-α-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal) is associated with immediate allergic manifestations and premature degeneration of the prosthesis in patients who receive bovine- or porcine-derived bioprosthetic valves. Here, we report a 72-year-old man with atrial fibrillation, aortic regurgitation, and severe alpha-gal allergy who presented for consideration of aortic valve replacement. He was premedicated with antihistamines and steroids and underwent aortic valve replacement with 25-mm INSPIRIS aortic valve (Edwards Lifesciences) and left atrial appendage occlusion with 40-mm AtriClip device (AtriCure), without immediate or short-term complications.