[The failing heart valve. History of the Björk-Shiley convex-concave heart valve].
Strut fracture with embolization of the valve disk has been reported worldwide in about 550 cases out of a total of 86,000 implanted Björk-Shiley convexo-concave disk valves. 320 of the patients died. In Norway six cases of strut fracture are reported, with five deaths. The highest risk is reported for valves with a 70 degree opening of the disk. Other risk factors are large valves in the mitral position, valves produced in the year 1981 and early 1982, and valves welded by inexperienced welders. A joint lawsuit which was started in January 1992 on behalf of all living patients with a CC-valve has been concluded and has resulted in a legal settlement between the parties.
Sivertssen
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Avdeling for hjertesykdommer Medisinsk klinikk Ullevål sykehus, Oslo.
D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000266:history / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D007345:Insurance Claim Review; D008318:Malpractice / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D009664:Norway; D012086:Reoperation; D012307:Risk Factors