Ten to fifteen year reassessment of the performance characteristics of the Starr-Edwards Model 6120 mitral valve prosthesis

In summary, interpretation of the results of this investigation yields mostly prejorative connotations, despite the proved structural durability of this specific S-E prosthesis. Few, if any cardiologists or cardiac surgeons can view these results as optimal, even considering the remote area of operation and presumed subsequent improvements in both medical and surgical care. Hence structural durability alone is only one of many parameters that must be considered. Valve failure being responsible for 22% of early and 27% of all late deaths is unaceptable, in our opinion. The results reported herein underscore the clinical need for improved alive substitutes and emphasize the importance of continued work in biomaterials compatibility and thrombosis research. Whether or not use of porcine or pericardial xenograft valves or newer mechanical valves will provide superior overall clinical results 10 to 15 years postoperatively remains unknown. It is our aspiration that the results of this study function as a truly long-term benchmark against which these newer valves can be compared. In this manner, this investigation may contribute to progress in the field of surgical treatment of patients with valvular heart disease.