title: Method for removal of the St. Jude valve.
abstract: A method is presented for removal of the St. Jude Medical valve when it must be replaced with another prosthesis. The sewing ring is transected in the radial direction, freeing the rigid portion of the valve. This is then removed, allowing the remainder of the sewing ring to be excised under direct vision. This method simplifies and increases the safety of this procedure.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, IL 60611.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Palmer
mesh_terms: D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis; D006801:Humans; D008722:Methods; D008943:Mitral Valve; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D012086:Reoperation