Starr-Edwards Ball & Cage Valve

Dr. Albert Starr

Although the ball & caged valves are no longer used today, they still have a life expectancy up to15-25 years.

Complications & Risks

Pros & Cons of Starr-Edwards Valves

RISKS:

~Thrombus

~Stenosis

~Regurge

~Infective Endocarditis

~Mechanical Failure

~Valve Ring Abscess

~Dehiscence

~Very simple design

~Durability up to 25 yrs+

The Starr-Edwards caged ball valve marked a new era in the treatment of valvular heart diseases

Because the ball and cage is a simple design, it does not exactly mimic the functions of a real valve. This is mainly because of the position of the ball when the valve is open. Blood has to go around the ball causing the heart to work harder along with poor hemodynamics.

~Poor hemodynamics

~High risk for thromboembolism

~Damage & kills blood cells due to colliding with the ball

Starr-Edwards Mitral Prosthetic Echocardiogram

Patients with these diseases may experience such symptoms...

Important 2-D Echocardiogram findings in patienct with Mechanical Valves

Treatment

*Shortness of breath

*Weakness or dizziness

*Discomfort in the chest

*Palpitation

*Rapid weight gain

*Heart failure

~thrombus

~stenosis ~regurge ~chamber size ~systolic & diastolic functions

Best treatment options for any heart valve disease is anticoagulant medication for the rest of their lives due to the high risk of thrombus.

Who Needs them?

Patients with valvular stenosis and valvular insufficiency

Materials

Ball & Caged Valve

Ball-in-cage heart valve in the Mitral position

Starr-Edwards Ball & Cage Mechanical Valve

The caged-ball design was one of the first mechanical valve implanted by Dr. Albert Starr and designed by Engineer Lowell Edwards in the 1960's. It is comprised of a silicon ball held in place by 3-4 prongs.

The ball is made of silicone rubber. The material used for the cage consist of acrylic, stainless steel, or colbalt chromium alloy. The circular sewing ring is house in a restraining cage formed by 3-4 metal arches.

Different Types of Mechanical Valves

The sewing ring is made from a dacron, which is a long chain polyester.

*1)Caged Ball Valve*

2)Tilting Disc

3)Bileaflet Valve

How it works

Questionnaires

1) What year was the caged ball valve invented and first used?

3) What valve is used today instead of the ball and caged valve?

2) How does the caged ball valve works?

By Lien Duong & Kasey Mercier

During forward flow, the high blood pressure pushes the ball downstream opening the orifice and allowing blood to rush through. When the pressure drops, the ball is pulled back sealing the valve opening and preventing backward flow.

*1960

Thank you :)

*St. Jude Valve

Ball will be forced to one side of the valve or the other depending on the blood flow