The Bjork-Shiley Tilting Disc Valve Prosthesis Echocardiography Findings

The echograms obtained following Bjork-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 Bjork-Shiley valve have not hitherto been described, but the potential of echoscanning in detecting disc dysfunction is put forward.