title: Initial experimental experience with a "replaceable" cardiac valve prosthesis.
abstract: An easily "replaceable" cardiac valve prosthesis has been designed. It consists of two parts: (1) a sewing ring incorporating a circlip and (2) a functioning valve (either mechanical or tissue). The circlip is encased in a sewing ring, which is sutured into the natural valve annulus, and grips the functional part of the prosthesis, thereby preventing dislodgment. A simple instrument has been designed to open the circlip a few millimeters to allow easy removal or insertion of the functional element. This sewing ring/circlip with the functional element of a Björk-Shiley prosthesis was used in 10 baboons undergoing mitral valve replacement. Removal and replacement of the functional element was carried out at a second operation between 1 and 12 weeks later. There were no operative deaths. Baboons were electively killed one day to twelve months after the second operation. There were no complications related to the prosthesis; cardiac catheterization showed normal hemodynamics before and after the second operative procedure.
authors: Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa.
authors: D K
authors: DK
authors: Cooper
authors: W N
authors: WN
authors: Wicomb
authors: G M
authors: GM
authors: Gould
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Boonzaier
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004209:Disposable Equipment; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis; D010215:Papio; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D012086:Reoperation