Tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) lysis of aortic and mitral valve thrombosis.

Valve thrombosis is one of the most serious complications after prosthetic valve replacement. We report the use of tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) in the treatment of a patient with thrombosed aortic and mitral valves. Thrombolysis resulted in immediate hemodynamic improvement and resolution of congestive heart failure, thereby avoiding surgical intervention. Based on our experience, thrombolysis with t-PA is an effective alternative in the treatment of thrombosed prosthetic valves.