Malfunction of a Björk-Shiley Mitral Valve Prosthesis Due to Excessive Platelet-Fibrin Deposition on Its Sewing Cuff

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Abstract
A Bjork-Shiley mitral valve prosthesis was replaced 4 yr after implantation because of disc entrapment by an overgrown fibrous tissue on its sewing cuff. This abnormal fibrous tissue was an organizing platelet-fibrin deposit, of which the luminal surface was only incompletely endothelialized. The heart valve prosthesis generally remains non-endothelialized for a prolonged period of time after implantation in man. Anticoagulation therapy should thus be given throughout the postoperative period for patients with the heart valve prosthesis.