[Clinical experience in 3 cases, 5 events of thrombosed Björk-Shiley mitral prostheses]

We have successfully treated 3 cases, 5 events of thrombosed Björk-Shiley mitral prostheses. Case 1: Treatment with urokinase thrombolytic therapy failed to improve the valve opening, and then submergent surgical thrombectomy was performed successfully. Case 2: This case was recurrent thrombosed valve. First time thrombosis was successfully managed by urokinase thrombolytic therapy. Second time thrombosis was treated with emergent surgical thrombectomy. Third time thrombosis was treated with urokinase thrombolysis and elective replacement of the Björk-Shiley valve with a 25 mm SJM valve. Case 3: Urokinase thrombolytic therapy failed to improve the valve function, and then emergent replacement of the Björk-Shiley valve with a 25 mm SJM valve was performed successfully. These cases suggested that the surgical treatment for the thrombosed Björk-Shiley mitral valve should be performed without delay in the patient whose condition is rapidly deteriorating.