The Björk-Shiley Tilting Disc Valve Prosthesis Echocardiographic Findings

The echograms obtained following Björk-Shiley valve replacement are described-first, on an experimental model and later, in vivo. The echogram obtained consisted essentially of four main horizontal waves. Their origin is clarified. In artificially created peri-prosthesis leaks, a normal trace was obtained, while in trans-prosthesis leaks, a reduction in amplitude of motion occurred and the valve remained open in diastole (aortic valve). In vivo, a normal trace was obtained in peri-prosthesis leaks. Trans-prosthesis leaks with the Björk-Shiley valve have not hitherto been described, but the potential of echoscanning in detecting disc dysfunction is put forward.