Fracture embolization of a Tekna mitral prosthesis: Case report

The modified Duromedics-Tekna bileaflet pyrolitic carbon mechanical prosthe sis was reintroduced by Baxter in 1990. This report details the first case of sudden leaflet fracture of a Tekna mitral valve five years after implant ation, which was managed successfully by replacement with a St. Jude Medica l mechanical prosthesis. The fracture had occurred transversely, with the f ragments 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.