MECHANICAL FAILURE OF THE BJORK-SHILEY VALVE - UPDATED FOLLOW-UP AND CONSIDERATIONS ON PROPHYLACTIC REREPLACEMENT

  • 1 January 1989
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 97  (1) , 95-97
Abstract
The early production series of the 29 to 31 mm 70-degree convexo-concave (CC70) Bjork-Shiley heart valves constitutes a subgroup of CC70 valves with an extra high risk of outlet strut fracture. The hazard function for mechanical failure among these valves has remained almost constant over a 7-year follow-up period, and the 7-year actuarial incidence of mechanical failure among these values is 12.5%. Selected patients with these valves will be considered for prophylactic rereplacement.