Product analysis: upon receipt at medtronic¿s quality laboratory, visual inspection revealed the valve was slightly distorted and oval shaped with deflected stent posts.All three leaflets were in the closed position, however, the free margins overlapped at the center of coaptation.The leaflets appeared crowded where the non-coronary (ncc) cusp was found prolapsed due to a tear at the commissure.The ncc exhibited a tear associated with pannus along the non-coronary right commissures.The ncc also exhibited an abrasion on the lunula associated with the leaflets touching against each other at the center of coaptation.A hematoma was observed on the left cusp (lc) at inflow.The lc exhibited an abrasion on the lunula that was also associated with the leaflets touching against each other at the center of coaptation.The right cusp (rc) exhibited a fold where it touched the stent post in the open position.No hole/abrasion was observed, however the tissue appeared thin on the folded area.All commissures were intact and attached to the aortic wall.A thin layer of pannus lined the base stitching of all leaflets at inflow.Pannus remnants were found attached on the sewing ring extending to the nc outflow rail.All commissures exhibited pannus on the superior coaptive areas.Pannus was found on the aortic wall at all commissures extending to the leaflets.Pannus was observed on the torn edge of the nc leaflet.Remnants of pannus were observed on the non-coronary left stent post.An unknown amount of pannus may have been removed on the inflow and outflow during explant.There was no commissure dehiscence observed.Radiography did not reveal calcification on the valve leaflets.Conclusion: reduced performance of the valve is attributed to host tissue overgrowth.This finding is generally considered a patient -related condition.If information is provided in the future, a supplemental report will be issued.
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