50 year old caged Valve Starr-Edwards

[Mister_James]

We report a unique case of a caged-ball Starr-Edwards prosthesis (model 6310, cloth covered) implanted in the mitral position by Christian Barnard that was successfully explanted and replaced after 50 years, the longest period free from valve dysfunction ever reported.

Caged-Ball Valve

 

[dick0236]

We report a unique case of a caged-ball Starr-Edwards prosthesis (model 6310, cloth covered) implanted in the mitral position by Christian Barnard that was successfully explanted and replaced after 50 years, the longest period free from valve dysfunction ever reported.

Caged-Ball Valve

I have seen her story before. She and I have the same caged-ball Starr-Edwards valve (I don't know my model no.) except mine is in the Aortic position. My cardio has told me that these old Starr-Edwards valves were built like Sherman Tanks. Mine was implanted Aug. 16. 1967 and it recently turned its 55th anniversary.......still working fine.......unfortunately the rest of my body is beginning to fall apart.

 

[pellicle]

unfortunately the rest of my body is beginning to fall apart.

As I increasingly joke with a friend of mine: "what's good about getting old"

 

[pellicle]

and replaced after 50 years, the longest period free from valve dysfunction ever reported.

Unless Dick has had some valve dysfunction, this would appear wrong (Dick is well past that) and is typical of the shoddy research I currently see.

I'm surprised they didn't at least have the humility to use probably or call the maker and ask. However then they wouldn't click over their publication counter ....

Poor.

 

[dick0236]

Unless Dick has had some valve dysfunction, this would appear wrong (Dick is well past that) and is typical of the shoddy research I currently see.

I'm surprised they didn't at least have the humility to use probably or call the maker and ask. However then they wouldn't click over their publication counter ....

Poor.

The only "oops" I've had was a stroke that was due to my mismanagement of warfarin (before the INR system was introduced).

Doesn't surprise me that long-term valve success is not followed closely by the Cardiovascular industry. 10-15 years ago I tried to get an ID card to carry in my wallet in case of emergency. Even Edwards Lifesciences (manufacturer of the valve) had no record of me. I finally tracked down my surgeon in Texas......sent him the only remaining operating room document (signed by him) and he intervened for me with Edwards and got me an ID card.

My ID card reads:
Implant date 16-Aug-1967
Model UNK-STARREW
Serial UNK-178
sIze 23MM, position Aortic

I think the UNK stands for UNKNOWN. Either they didn't put serial numbers on the valves in 1967.......or I got some kind of experimental valve. I've donated my body to the University of Louisville so I guess they will finally find out what I have when they open me up

 

[Timmay]

@dick0236 - Truly, you're an inspiration for all of us mech valvers. So thankful that you have shared your experiences here. Thank you sir!!!!

 

[ValveAdmin]

Truly inspiring!!

 

[treichert0312]

Hope to get 50+ years out of mine! 104... But like you say - one day at a time!

 

[Chuck C]

Even Edwards Lifesciences (manufacturer of the valve) had no record of me.

@dick0236 , I don't expect Edwards Lifesciences to work very hard to find any records of you. Let's face it, you've been a terrible customer. You haven't returned to them for business even once in 55 years. If all of their customers were like you they would soon be out of business

 

[dick0236]

@dick0236 , I don't expect Edwards Lifesciences to work very hard to find any records of you. Let's face it, you've been a terrible customer. You haven't returned to them for business even once in 55 years. If all of their customers were like you they would soon be out of business

I have thought the same thing. I understand that quite a few of these old "ball in cage valves" are still around. Edwards Lifesciences INC was born out of the little company started by Dr. Alberet STARR (cardiologist) and Lowell EDWARDS (pneumatics engineer) around 1960. Edwards Lifesciences continued production of the ole "ball in cage" design until discontinuing it in 2007 according to an Edwards marketing brochure that I have a copy of......however, it hasn't been used in the USA for many years. I guess it was too good and too inexpensive for the modern "thro away" system where products are built to throw away.....creating a new buyer for a replacement.

Incidentally, I have offered my story to Edwards Lifesciences (for free) but have never received an answer to my offer. I wonder why????.......I guess it is because they are making a lot of money with their "tissue type" products........however, I have heard they have a substantial financial interest in another mechanical valve company.......to hedge their bet........so they have a "win-win" position.

 

[pellicle]

Incidentally, I have offered my story to Edwards Lifesciences (for free) but have never received an answer to my offer. I wonder why????.

They have those new Resilia valves that i was told last 50 years. No ACT needed.

 

[Chuck C]

Incidentally, I have offered my story to Edwards Lifesciences (for free) but have never received an answer to my offer. I wonder why????.

Interesting. In that they no longer market mechanical valves, I suppose the PR department doesn't care much about the exciting one and done stories.

From a business standpoint, "Come back and see what exciting new product we have for you in about 10 years", makes a lot more sense.

 

[dick0236]

They have those new Resilia valves that i was told last 50 years. No ACT needed.

Uh-Hu I've heard that too. "The proof will be in the pudding".

 

[pellicle]

From a business standpoint, "Come back and see what exciting new product we have for you in about 10 years", makes a lot more sense.

the fine print on that: *(actual user experience may vary)

 

[pellicle]

proof