The failing heart valve. History of the Björk-Shiley convex-concave heart valve
Sivertssen, E.
Tidsskrift for den Norske Laegeforening Tidsskrift for Praktisk Medicin Ny Raekke 116(22): 2666-2668
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0029-2001 PMID: 8928144 Document Number: 465729
Strut fracture with embolization of the valve disk has been reported worldwide in about 550 cases out of a total of 86000 implanted Bjork-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.