Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026

10:37
Ferric Chloride-induced Murine Thrombosis Models
Published on: September 5, 2016
Thrombolytic therapy in clotted prosthetic mitral valve
S Sharma1, S K Modi, S Padmavati
1National Heart Institute, New Delhi.
The Journal of the Association of Physicians of India
|April 1, 1991
Summary
Thrombosis of a Bjork-Shiley mechanical valve in the mitral position was successfully treated with streptokinase and heparin. This effective clot lysis led to the patient remaining asymptomatic for two years post-treatment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Thrombosis Research
Background:
- Mechanical heart valves, such as the Bjork-Shiley prosthesis, are susceptible to thrombotic events.
- Mitral valve thrombosis can lead to severe hemodynamic compromise and embolic complications.
Observation:
- Clinical suspicion of mitral valve thrombosis was confirmed using echocardiography and cine fluoroscopy.
- The patient presented with suspected thrombosis of a Bjork-Shiley valve in the mitral position.
Findings:
- Successful thrombolysis was achieved using a combination of streptokinase therapy and intravenous heparin infusion.
- The patient experienced successful lysis of the clot, resolving the thrombotic event.
Implications:
- Pharmacological thrombolysis can be a viable treatment option for Bjork-Shiley mitral valve thrombosis.
- This approach offers a potential alternative to surgical intervention, with sustained positive outcomes.
- The patient remained asymptomatic for two years, indicating the long-term efficacy of the treatment.
Related Concept Videos
Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins
Hemostasis is a crucial process that prevents excessive blood loss from damaged blood vessels. It involves various mechanisms such as vasoconstriction, platelet adhesion and activation, and fibrin formation. The importance of each mechanism depends on the type of vessel injury. In contrast, thrombosis is the abnormal formation of a blood clot within the blood vessels, leading to potential complications if the clot obstructs blood flow. Thrombosis can be caused by increased coagulability of the...
Clot Retraction and Fibrinolysis
After a fibrin clot is formed, the next step is clot retraction, a vital process facilitated by platelet contractile proteins, such as actin and myosin. These proteins pull the fibrin strands closer together and condense the clot. This action reduces the size of the clot, creating a smaller, denser structure that effectively seals off the damaged vessel. Clot retraction consolidates the clot and helps with wound healing by bringing the edges of the damaged blood vessel closer together.
Mitral Regurgitation III: Medical Management
Mitral regurgitation (MR) is characterized by retrograde blood circulation from the left ventricle into the left atrium due to inadequate mitral valve closure. The severity of the condition, symptoms, and underlying cause determine treatment strategies.Monitoring and Pharmacological TreatmentPatients with mild to moderate MR typically do not need immediate intervention but regular monitoring to assess progression and guide treatment. Patients with mild MR should have an echocardiogram every 3-5...
Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management
Mitral stenosis, a condition marked by the narrowing of the mitral valve, necessitates an integrated approach for effective management. This approach includes preventative measures, medical therapy, and surgical interventions to reduce symptoms and prevent complications.PreventionPrevention of mitral stenosis primarily focuses on reducing the incidence of bacterial infections, particularly streptococcal infections, which can lead to rheumatic fever and subsequent valvular damage. Timely...
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Diagnosing Pulmonary EmbolismDiagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE) involves clinical assessment and advanced imaging tests. The preferred diagnostic tool is the spiral (helical) CT scan or CT angiography (CTA), which uses intravenous contrast media to visualize the pulmonary vasculature and identify emboli.A ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan is an alternative for patients unable to receive contrast media. This scan includes both perfusion and ventilation scanning. Perfusion scanning involves...

