St. Jude Epic tissue valve?

[Brookwood]

Just met with the surgeon yesterday. When we asked him about tissue valves, he said he is involved in the FDA clinical trials for a valve called the St. Jude Epic(I can't remember the exact model ). It seems that he recommends this porcine valve, and we were told to expect 15 years from this valve(my husband is 39 years old). He said this valve has been used in Europe for 20 years and has good track record. Does anyone here know something about this valve? I searched but found little information about this valve.

 

[perrypiratesdad]

Does anyone know if they are working (or if it even possible) on a mechanical valve that will not need anticoagulation?

 

[Duff Man]

Does anyone know if they are working (or if it even possible) on a mechanical valve that will not need anticoagulation?

As far as I know, the on-x valve is about the closest we've come so far.

http://www.onxvalves.com/

I'm hoping for elective surgery and not emergency surgery so I can choose the on-x.

 

[Brookwood]

Thanks

Thanks

Thanks so much for your reply. It's very helpful. You are right, the FDA trial for that valve has been completed and it has been approved for use internationally.

I noticed that quite a few people here chose Edward bovine valve. Does it last longer than porcine valve? Which bovine valve do you think is the best now?

Thanks a lot!