Disc variance: a potentially lethal complication of the Beall valve prosthesis
Montoya, A.; Sullivan, H.J.; Pifarré, R.
Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 71(6): 904-906
1976
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-5223 PMID: 1271840 Document Number: 96868
During 1975, 4 patients with erosion of the disc in Beall valve prostheses were seen. In one case the eroded disc was found loose in the distal aorta at postmortem examination. In 3 other cases, clinical diagnoses were made and successful reoperations performed. Because disc variance represents a potentially lethal complication, patients with disc prostheses should be examined at frequent intervals. When signs and symptoms of mechanical malfunction develop, the valve prosthesis should be replaced immediately to prevent death.