Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1979; 27(5): 319-321
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1096268
Copyright © 1979 by Georg Thieme Verlag

Thrombembolic Malfunction of a Björk-Shiley Aortic Valve Prosthesis*

E. Koops, K. Püschel
  • Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Hamburg
*Dedicated to Prof. Fritz on his eightieth birthday
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
11 December 2008 (online)

Summary

The case history and pathomorphological findings of a very rare fatal complication following prosthetic heart valve replacement are described: A 51-year-old woman died of acute malfunction of her Björk-Shiley aortic valve prosthesis caused by a large embolus deriving from the left atrium. After triple valve replacement 30 months earlier she seemed to be in good health. She had been subject to absolute arrhythmia for many years, and anticoagulation treatment had been felt to be sufficient.