Why the study?
Does thrombolytic therapy result in delayed opening of stuck prosthetic valves in patients with left-sided prosthetic valve occlusion?
Does thrombolytic therapy result in delayed opening of stuck prosthetic valves in patients with left-sided prosthetic valve occlusion?
Delayed opening of bileaflet prosthetic valves can occur 3 to 12 months after partially successful thrombolytic therapy, potentially avoiding the need for reoperation.
Delayed opening may occur after partial thrombolysis success; hypothesis-generating and should not yet change practice.
Thrombolytic therapy for left-sided prosthetic valve occlusion is a viable alternative to surgery. The phenomenon of delayed opening of a bileaflet valve is a peculiar feature of thrombolytic therapy. Of 64 patients who received thrombolytic therapy and presented on 71 occasions, partial success was observed in 28 patients on completion of treatment. Of these 28 patients, delayed opening of the leaflets was observed in 14 (50%) over a period of 3 to 12 months. We suggest that this unique feature of bileaflet valves might delay or avoid reoperation. The need for frequent follow-up of patients with partially successful thrombolytic therapy is emphasized.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Rao et al. (1998) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: