ABSTRACT
The St. Jude Medical (SJM) prosthetic valve has become a valuable alternative in patients in whom a mechanical valve prosthesis is preferred or medically indicated. This report summarizes and compares the authors’ experience with the Bjork-Shiley (BS) and SJM valves in the mitral position. Between 1974 and 1981, 73 patients (mean age, 55.1 years) underwent valve replacement with BS valves, and from 1980 to 1983, 38 patients underwent valve replacement with SJM prostheses in the mitral position (hospital mortality, 10%). Age, sex, dominant mitral pathology, incidence of atrial fibrillation, severity of coronary artery disease, and postoperative anticoagulation were equivalent for both groups. Complete follow-up results are available for all operative survivors to July 1983. SJM valves appear to be superior to BS valves in terms of late deaths (0 SJM; 6.0 BS per 100 patient years) and valve thrombosis (0 SJM; 1.3 BS per 100 patient years). In patients who require a mechanical mitral valve prosthesis, the SJM valve merits consideration.
- Received March 1984.
- Accepted June 1984.
- Copyright © 1984 The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. All Rights Reserved.