Fracture embolization of a Tekna mitral prosthesis: case report.

The modified Duromedics-Tekna bileaflet pyrolitic carbon mechanical prosthesis was reintroduced by Baxter in 1990. This report details the first case of sudden leaflet fracture of a Tekna mitral valve five years after implantation, which was managed successfully by replacement with a St. Jude Medical mechanical prosthesis. The fracture had occurred transversely, with the fragments embolizing to the terminal aortic bifurcation and the left common femoral artery. These were localized by computed tomography and removed two days after valve replacement.