Structural failure of a Starr-Edwards aortic track valve.
Structural failure of a Model 2400 Starr-Edwards aortic track valve occurred suddenly, 4 years after implantation. At operation, the valve cage was removed from the descending aorta. Examination of the excised prosthesis disclosed minimal cloth wear and no evidence of infective growth; however, three struts were fractured above their insertion into the valve ring. To our knowledge, this type of valve malfunction has not been previously noted.
Ringel
R E
RE
Division of Pediatric Cardiology, University of Maryland Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, USA.
Moulton
A L
AL
Burns
J E
JE
Brenner
J I
JI
Berman
M A
MA