Reoperation on a Starr-Edwards ball valve without structural deterioration

Gen Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2012 Dec;60(12):827-9. doi: 10.1007/s11748-012-0092-5. Epub 2012 May 29.

Abstract

Accurate measurement of pressure gradients on echocardiography across a Starr-Edwards (SE) ball valve is difficult due to its unique flow pattern. The decision of indication for reoperation on the valve requires multifactorical evaluation. We report a surgical case with an aortic SE ball valve 43 years after implantation. There was no apparent structural deterioration on the ball per se, yet, remarkable pannus formation was noted beneath the sewing cuff in the left ventricular outflow tract.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aortic Valve / surgery*
  • Aortic Valve Insufficiency / physiopathology
  • Aortic Valve Insufficiency / surgery
  • Blood Pressure
  • Dyspnea / etiology
  • Echocardiography
  • Female
  • Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation
  • Heart Valve Prosthesis*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Reoperation
  • Time Factors