Retrograde strut embolization in a fractured Björk-Shiley mitral prosthesis.

: The case of the minor strut fracture of a Bjork-Shiley convexo-concave mitral valve, with retrograde embolization to a pulmonary vein is presented. Migration probably occurred during ventricular systole and the strut became anchored to the pulmonary vein wall. The patient underwent emergency mitral valve replacement with event free recovery. The strut was located by computed tomography postoperatively, and it has remained in the same location for over one and a half years.