Fibrinolytic Therapy in Thrombosis of Bioprosthesis in the Aortic Position

pp 306-308

Abstract

Thrombosis of heart valve prostheses is a complication associated with high mortality. It is extremely infrequent in bioprostheses and its treatment is controversial (as in the case of mechanical prostheses), representing a challenge. We report the case of an elder patient who underwent an aortic valve replacement with a bioprosthesis and presented acute heart failure 6 months later. The transesophageal echocardiogram showed thrombosis of the bioprosthesis. Infusion of streptokinase was prescribed for 24 hours; the patient presented clinical and hemodynamic improvement and no adverse outcomes were reported.