[Sudden and fatal malfunction of a Björk-Shiley prosthesis in mitral position due to rupture of the ventricular bracket and disk embolization].

Mechanical complications of prosthetic valves are increasing. The following report describes a case of fracture of a Björk-Shiley mitral prosthetic strut with dislogment of the valve occluder into the thoracic aorta. At the reoperation a new prosthesis was implanted but the patient died of acute heart failure. The diagnosis of valve disfunction must be made non invasively, because the time required for cardiac catherization usually constitutes a lethal delay. The only hope for survival is prompt surgical treatment.