Björk–Shiley valve

The valve was co-invented by American engineer Donald Shiley and Swedish heart surgeon Viking Björk.

[4] Attempts to improve the design of the valve and speed manufacturing, however, led to a weaker structure, with serious consequences.

A separate part of the agreement required Pfizer to provide up to $300 million for patient or survivor claims in the event of valve fractures.

Decision tools have been published and are available from a trust set up for this purpose during the litigation surrounding the valve "recall".

A fund was also established for patient compensation and to pay for the costs of heart surgery to replace the valve.