# Early rupture of a tetrafluoroethylene loop due to fixation with polypropylene resulting in recurrent mitral valve regurgitation; a word of caution

## TL;DR

A patient experienced early failure of a heart valve repair due to a material choice, suggesting a better alternative.

## Contribution

Highlights potential material limitations in mitral valve repair and suggests ePTFE as a better option.

## Key findings

- Early rupture of ePTFE loop occurred after mitral valve repair.
- Recurrent regurgitation was traced to fixation with polypropylene suture.
- ePTFE is suggested as a more suitable material for leaflet fixation.

## Abstract

This case report describes early rupture of an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) loop used in mitral valve repair, likely due to leaflet fixation with 5/0 polypropylene suture. A 52-year-old man developed recurrent mitral valve regurgitation 3 weeks postoperatively. Reoperation revealed rupture at the fixation site. This case suggests that ePTFE may be a more suitable material than polypropylene for leaflet fixation to prevent early loop failure.