title: Structural failure of a Starr-Edwards aortic track valve.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatric Cardiology, University of Maryland Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, USA.
authors.forename: R E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Ringel
authors.forename: A L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Moulton
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Burns
authors.forename: J I
authors.initials: JI
authors.lastname: Brenner
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Berman