Consequences of PTFE membrane used for prevention of re-entry injuries in rheumatic valve disease.

Background: The value of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) surgical membrane as a pericardium substitute in patients who undergo reoperation for rheumatic valve disease is reported in this observational study.

Methods: PTFE was used for pericardial closure in 56 rheumatic valve patients. During reoperation of seven cases, adhesions were classified as none, minimal, moderate to severe and scored in the sections of heart.