Thrombectomy of the Björk-Shiley prosthetic valve revisited: long-term results.
Thrombotic obstruction of the Björk-Shiley prosthetic valve is a catastrophic complication, often leading to a fatal outcome. Worldwide experience with the Björk-Shiley valve supports the need for long-term anticoagulation to prevent entrapment of the disc. Replacement of the malfunctioning device is associated with a high mortality, and therefore a more expeditious method is desirable. It is our experience that simple thrombectomy may suffice in most occasions, even for the mitral position, and especially when done through a bicameral approach in order to visualize both supravalvular and infravalvular regions. The philosophy and results with thrombectomy and disc rotation in 12 cases of thrombotic occlusion of the Björk-Shiley valve are described. It is suggested that this method may be preferable to replacement of the thrombosed prosthetic valve in select patients.
Montero
C G
CG
Cardiovascular Surgery, Clinica Puerta de Hierro, Madrid, Spain.
Mula
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N
Brugos
R
R
Tellez
G
G
Figuera
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D
D000328:Adult; D001021:Aortic Valve; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008943:Mitral Valve; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D013997:Time Factors; D014859:Warfarin / Q000627:therapeutic use
D014859:Warfarin