Abstract
Annular calcifications carry some technical difficulties for success in conventional valve surgery. In this paper we present an easy alternative mitral valve replacement method applied for a patient with a heavily calcified mitral annulus. Excision of both leaflets and partial resection of the annular calcification with an ultrasonic dissector allowed the intra-atrial insertion of a 33-mm Omnicarbon monoleaflet prosthetic valve through a smaller opening of the left posterior atrium. The technical difficulties in inserting a prosthetic valve in a patient with a heavily calcified mitral annulus are discussed.