A newly described ball-valve prosthesis for aortic replacement demonstrated long-term survival in dogs and promising early clinical results, warranting continued evaluation.
Describes the early development and promising initial results of a ball-valve prosthesis for aortic replacement in dogs and humans.
A ball-valve prosthesis for aortic replacement has been described which, while it is similar to the mitral ball valve in terms of materials and construction, is quite different in sewing margin and internal geometry. Implantation is greatly facilitated by the flexibility of the prosthesis in terms of external diameter, and by the availability of a full set of varying sizes for obtaining a proper fit. Widening of the aortic root by patch grafting has not been necessary. Long-term survival has been achieved in the dog, and early clinical results are most promising. While the selection of the ideal aortic valvular replacement must await further experience with all types of prostheses, continued evaluation of the ball valve in the aortic position, in carefully chosen patients, is indicated.
Starr et al. (1963) studied Aortic valve replacement. Ball-valve prosthesis was evaluated. A newly described ball-valve prosthesis for aortic replacement demonstrated long-term survival in dogs and promising early clinical results, warranting continued evaluation.