Developments in cardiovascular valve technology - Biomaterials and Devices for the Circulatory System - page 88

4.2 Original Starr-Edwards caged-ball valve prosthesis with an acrylic
cage and a silastic ball used initially in experimental animals and later
in the fi rst human mitral implant, a long-term survivor (1960-1970).
Image in part from the Historical Valve Museum collection, courtesy of
Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA, USA.
￿ ￿ ￿ ￿ ￿
4.3 Modifi ed caged-ball valve with low profi le and narrower struts,
Edwards Lifesciences Model 6120. Image courtesy of Edwards
Lifesciences, Irvine, CA, USA.
due to lipid absorption. 22-24 These phenomena were corrected by changing
the silastic rubber curing process. After 50 years of continuous clinical use,
manufacture and sale of the Starr-Edwards valve was discontinued in
January, 2007 (personal communication from Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine,
CA, USA).