Starr Edwards Ball Caged Mechanical Heart Valves’ Reverberations – Need for a Phoenix of Analysis with a Critical Mindset 

Mark Christopher Arokiaraj

Keywords: Caged Ball valves, Starr Edwards, Thrombogenicity, Durability, Safety

DOI: 10.32677/yjm.v2i1.3760

DOI URL: https://doi.org/10.32677/yjm.v2i1.3760

Publish Date: 10-05-2023

Pages: 8 - 12

Views: 3

Downloads: 5

Author Affiliation:

Professor, Department of Cardiology, Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences, Ganapathichettikulam, Kalapet, Puducherry, India.

Abstract

The mechanical heart valve prosthesis with a caged ball has been around for 60 years. It has since experienced changes and adjustments. The Starr Edwards valve was a pioneer and was taken out of clinical use in the late 2000s. Starr Edwards is reportedly close to or has reached the age of 50, according to numerous sources from around the globe. The author's observations and review of the literature about thrombogenicity, pannus formation, left ventricular outflow tract obstructions, and infective endocarditis in the Starr Edwards valves, which were reportedly higher before its clinical ending, was only an overestimation and were not supported by scientific data. However, it was less discussed in the article, along with potential benefits. The main reasons for its demise were its obtrusive size and unattractive shape. There have been several successful implantations of these valves in Asian nations and reports of fewer primary failures and unexpected cardiac fatalities. Therefore, there is a need for extensive data gathering, documentation, and more recent studies on these valves to prepare for a prospective revival of use with newer research, mainly when long-term durability is considered.