title: Mechanical failure of the Björk-Shiley valve. Updated follow-up and considerations on prophylactic rereplacement.
abstract: The early production series of the 29 to 31 mm 70-degree convexo-concave (CC70) Björk-Shiley heart valves constitutes a subgroup of CC70 values with an extra high risk of outlet strut fracture. The hazard function for mechanical failure among these valves has remained almost constant over a 7-year follow-up period, and the 7-year actuarial incidence of mechanical failure among these valves is 12.5%. Selected patients with these valves will be considered for prophylactic rereplacement.
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic Surgery, Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lindblom
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Rodriguez
authors.forename: V O
authors.initials: VO
authors.lastname: Björk
mesh_terms: D001021:Aortic Valve; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis; D006801:Humans; D008943:Mitral Valve; D011475:Prosthesis Failure