title: Elective removal of convexo-concave Björk-Shiley valves.
abstract: Replacement has been an accepted method for treating advanced cardiac valvular disease for more than 25 years. However, the perfect prosthesis has yet to be developed, judging by the number of devices available. A prosthesis that initially appears promising may cause problems in due course, and indeed some devices have been modified or withdrawn from clinical use. A notable example of a prosthetic valve that has give problems is the Björk-Shiley convexo-concave prosthesis, some models of which have undergone mechanical failure due to strut fracture. We report the elective removal of such a valve and the subsequent examination of the prosthesis. The results of this examination suggest that a policy of elective removal is justified.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Sheffield, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: P B
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: Rajesh
authors.forename: G H
authors.initials: GH
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: P V
authors.initials: PV
authors.lastname: Lawford
authors.forename: M M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Black
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D008943:Mitral Valve / Q000601:surgery*; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D012086:Reoperation