The influence of increased clotting reactions as shown by thrombosis formation in the immediate postoperative period on aortic valve prothesis (author's transl)

Abstract

Massive thrombosis formation on the valve periphery and on the top surface of the valve occurred in three patients (1,5%) in the immediate postoperative period with the Björk-Shiley valve in the aortic position. Between the third and sixth day these patients died of acute heart failure as a result of coronary artery displacement. Upon autopsy operative technical complications and postoperative infections were ruled out as the cause of death. What appears to be clinically important is an increase in clotting time in the immediate postoperative period which can be proven statistically. This increased clotting inclination was only found in these three patients and in one patient with frequent immediate postoperative peripheral embolic episodes. We therefore feel that early anticoagulation therapy is necessary. Heparin administration is preferred as it not only lowers the clotting ability of the blood but also the adhesive quality of the platelets.