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catwoman

catwoman

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near Fort Worth TX
My husband will is facing MV surgery, don't know yet whether it will be repair or replacement. TEE is 2/1/07.

He is leaning toward a mechanical if the valve isn't repairable. I have a St. Jude, have a ProTime 3 & adjust my warfarin and have done well since surgery, so John feels comfortable with a mechanical.
I will be checking out St. Jude's valve(s); don't know if there is more than one model.
I have talked to an RN with MCRI, the maker of the On-X valve, and she's going to send us some literature.

Who else makes mechanical valves?
 
I think you already have the best 2 locked down. No need to look further IMHO
 
According to the Patient Information Guide from On-X entitled:
Heart Valve Replacement Surgery - Increasing Your Awareness

Jack Bokros, Ph.D. is " the originator of carbon technology for producing implantable carbon devices" which was developed in the early 60's for Nuclear Industry applications. "Using this technology in 1977, his group at General Atomic produced the carbon components for the *first* viable bileaflet heart valve replacement, the St. Jude Medical device.

"In the late 1970's, the Bokros group setablished CarboMedics, inc."

"In the mid 80's, Dr. Bokros patented two valve concepts that were used to produce the CarboMedics and ATS Medical valve replacements."

"Using the experience extending from 1963, in 1994 Dr. Bokros founded Medical Carbon Research Institute to utilize a new pure form of isotrophic carbon, On-X(registered) Carbon, to develop a mechanical valve with more natural qualities - the On-X Prosthetic Heart Valve."

"On-X Carbon does not contain the Silicon Carbide of older valve models--silicon carbide cause more blood clots (thrombogenesis) than pure carbon. It is also stronger than other pyrolytic carbons and is necessary for the unique structure of the On-X valve. " (continued)

There you have the names of ALL the Mechanical Valve Players in the USA. It is interesting to note that they were ALL a result of the evolution of valve designs by Jack Bokros, Ph.D. The information package contains charts comparing performance of all of these valves.

'AL Capshaw'
 
FWIW, I have a St. Jude Medical Mechanical Valve in the Aortic Position.

St. Jude has developed a 'third generation' valve for the AORTIC position ONLY, called the St. Jude REGENT.

From what I have been able to determine from their website and telephone calls to St. Jude Medical (the receptionist clearly had little understanding of Valves or their product line), they DO NOT make a third generation valve for the Mitral Position.

'AL Capshaw'
 
My husband has had the ATS Aortic valve since 09/11/01/. His annual echo is scheduled for March.
 
On-X 'first timer' from VR.com

On-X 'first timer' from VR.com

Al, first of all I want to wish you the very best with whatever valve you decide on.

I went out of my way to get the On-x valves, especially because one was going into the mitral position. I did a TON of research and read nothing but good things about the On-x valve. My surgeon only implanted St Jude (which was my 2nd choice) and for insurance reasons I really didn't have many options. I contacted On-x in my area and the rep met with my surgeon and presented him with the valves to compare to the St Jude. My surgeon said they were very similar and felt he could safely implant the On-x. After the surgery, my surgeon has told me at least twice how impressed he was with the On-x and will begin recommending them to his patients. I have been taking about 3 mg of Coumadin with these valves. We are still trying to adjust my INR levels, but I think 3 mg is about where I will be. They had recommended 7.5 with the St Jude also, had I gone with that valve.

Alex C.
Denver, CO

Quote:
Originally Posted by starfish11040
alex,

You said something that troubles me. Apparently your surgeon was not familiar with the On-x valve. You introduced him to it and "After the surgery, my surgeon has told me at least twice how impressed he was with the On-x and will begin recommending them to his patients."

It seems like laymen on this board know more about the latest valve technology than some professionals. I asked my cardiologist about On-x and its reduced need for anti-coagulant. He seemed to be unaware of it.

These are the people who we count on for advice. Scary.


Yes! Exactly. I completely agree with you. My surgeon had heard about the On-x, but thought they only made a mitral valve. I had On-x contact him so they could better inform him. They had a meeting and he learned more and enough to feel he could safely implant the valves. My cardio had NO info on the On-x and kept referring me to get the St. Jude. I told him I was sold on the On-x and sent him all the info I had so he could learn about it. It was worth it to me to take that risk to have the On-x valves. Only time will tell if I made the right choice.

Alex C.
Denver, CO
 
Recent VR.com Threads Related to Mechanical Valves

Recent VR.com Threads Related to Mechanical Valves

Safety and Effectiveness of the On-X Prosthetic Heart Valve: Intermediate Follow Up posted by Ken on Jan 23, 2007

http://www.valvereplacement.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19483

=============================

Surgeon Postings Critical of St. Jude / Edwards
posted by Randy and Robin on Dec 14, 2006

http://www.valvereplacement.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19018

(Ask Catheran about the 25 year study / projections of St. Valves)
=======================

Need info / opinions on ATS Vavles
posted by AL Capshaw2 on Nov. 29, 2006

http://www.valvereplacement.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18842

=======================

'AL Capshaw'
 
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