Forty-Eight-Year Functionality of Björk-Shiley Aortic and Mitral Valves in One Patient

The Björk-Shiley mechanical valve was the first tilting-disc valve used to replace aortic and mitral valves. We present a case of a double aortic and mitral valve replacement with both valves functioning properly over 48 years after the original implantation. Minimal negative changes are evident in either valve despite the progression of cardiac abnormalities, including the development of a dilated cardiomyopathy associated with chronic systolic and diastolic heart failure and the implantation of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). Our patient's case appears to be the most significant example of double-valve replacement longevity described in the literature.