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Case Reports
. 2012;39(2):284-5.

The 37-year durability of a Björk-Shiley Delrin-disc aortic valve prosthesis

Fabrizio Sansone  1 , Edoardo Zingarelli, Guglielmo Mario Actis Dato, Giuseppe Punta, Roberto Flocco, Stefano del Ponte, Riccardo Casabona
Affiliations
Case Reports

The 37-year durability of a Björk-Shiley Delrin-disc aortic valve prosthesis

Fabrizio Sansone et al. Tex Heart Inst J. 2012.

Abstract

We report the exceptional longevity of a Björk-Shiley Delrin-disc prosthetic aortic valve that had been implanted in a man who underwent surgical correction of an ascending aortic aneurysm 37 years later. Upon explantation of the valve, the Delrin disc had only shallow abrasion on the ventricular surface, and none on the aortic surface. We discuss the soundness and durability of this valve in our patient, in contrast with its short functional prosthetic life in other patients. The 37-year lifespan of this patient's Björk-Shiley Delrin-disc valve is among the longest reported.

Keywords: Device removal; heart valve prosthesis implantation/instrumentation; patient care planning; prosthesis design; prosthesis failure; risk factors; treatment outcome.

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Figures

None
Fig. 1 A) A Björk-Shiley prosthesis, explanted after 37 years, shows only a shallow abrasion of the Delrin disc on the ventricular surface. B) The aortic surface shows no signs of steel-strut fracture or abrasion.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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