A unique malfunction of Cross-Jones mitral valve prosthesis.

This case report is concern with the death of a patient 20 months following mitral valve replacement. The disc of a Cross-Jones prosthesis escaped into the left atrium causing severe mitral insufficiency. Disc variance represents a potentially lethal complication and patients with disc valve prostheses should be examined frequently. When signs and symptoms of mechanical malfunction develop, the valve prosthesis should be replaced immediately to prevent sudden death.