title: Clinical performance of Bjork-Shiley mechanical heart valves: a perspective on outlet strut fractures in the 60 degrees and 70 degrees convexo-concave disc models.
abstract: The convexo-concave disc model of Bjork-Shiley mechanical heart valve is a significant improvement over the spherical disc model and compares favourably to other valves, including bioprostheses, with respect to hemodynamics, thromboembolism, anticoagulant related hemorrhage and prosthetic endocarditis. A small number of the 60 degrees and 70 degrees welded outlet strut Bjork-Shiley convexo-concave valves are at risk of sudden structural failure. The risk is constant or decreasing with time. Elective explanation is not recommended. The integral outlet monostrut 70 degrees Bjork-Shiley convexo-concave valve demonstrates further improvements in design and durability, and is recommended for use in patients who are appropriate candidates for mechanical cardiac prostheses.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Ontario.
authors.forename: H E
authors.initials: HE
authors.lastname: Scully
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Damle
authors.forename: B S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Goldman
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Tong
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Azuma
authors.forename: L L
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Mickleborough
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Schwartz
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Baird
mesh_terms: D001021:Aortic Valve; D004696:Endocarditis / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000401:mortality; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008943:Mitral Valve; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000209:etiology