You two are amazing! c
Congratulations on your Starr-Edwards valves. Sounds like you got the best wrarrenty anyone could ask for!
In 1968 I was open-chested at 11 years old for an aortic stenosis. I had three open-hearts within ten years. In 1972 I had a similar ball-and-cage implanted, but I can't remember the name. Certainly was NOT a Starr-Edwards, but slightly similar. Anyway, the valve they gave me was failing due to wear and tear after five years, so I was recalled like a Ford Pinto. (complimentary oil change with that).
This time, in 1976, I had a Bjork-Shiley valve, made in Irvine, California, (funny how I can remember THAT but not the name of the faulty valve.)
The long and short of it is, mine is ticking after 40 years!
How about forming a unique group, maybe The Valvolines, oh, yeah,already taken. I am now 62 years old and will have an echo in a few weeks so my cardiologist and I can see how the ol' gal is looking.
Anyway what wonderful stories! TO LIFE! You made my day to know there are others out there. Thanks So Much.
Ken Levine
Middlebury, Vermont
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ken levine
volunteer, retired
802-236-8186
kenpaullevine@gmail.comMiddlebury, Vermont
05753
United States of America
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Original Message:
Sent: 08-18-2018 14:32
From: Donald Duman
Subject: 51 years on one heart valve
On Sept. 20, 1996 I, also had a Starr-Edwards valve implanted by Dr Starr. Mr Edwards who co-developed the valve, was an engineer at Pacific Power & Light Company in Portland, Oregon. i have had no problems with this valve. I can also exclaim... so far so good!
Original Message------
On Aug. 16, 1967 I had a mechanical aortic heart valve (Starr-Edwards "ball-in-cage" valve) implanted. My surgeon told me the valve was designed to last 50 years which was several years past "life expectancy in 1967". My cardio has told me "these old valves where built like Sherman Tanks and there is no way to know how long it will last........so far, so good.