Re: Would you replace a Star Edwards 1260 valve that is perfectly fine, but......?

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD - CRC on April 05, 1999 at 12:12:39:

In Reply to: Would you replace a Star Edwards 1260 valve that is perfectly fine, but......? posted by Lily Kanter on April 03, 1999 at 14:43:10:






: My mother had a Star Edwards model #1260 installed in 1979 at Mayo Clinic and has had a few incidents in the past 20 years, the most recent was this week, she had a loss of speech which put her in the hospital this week, they are calling this a mini stroke but no damage detected on the cat scan. She was admitted with an INR of 1.5 and has had a few tests that are showing something around the valve.  She is already on 10 mg of coumadin a day but nothing else for anticoagulation. The valve is in perfect  condition and no blockage was detected in the arteries in the cath.  The cardilogist is recommending to replace the Star Edwards with a St Jude to lower her risk of stroke.  When I called Mayo they said they would put her on the right anti coagulation program and watch her very carefully but did not recommend surgery.  What steps should we take to resolve this varrying opinion, we are so confused. Are we playing russian roulette by not getting that Star Edwards out of her? Does it really buy her anti coagulation hope by putting a St Jude in her? THe research I'm reading suggests that this valve (St Jude) is less succeptible to clotting.  can you please provide your wisdom.  Thank you so much





Dear Lily,
I agree that the INR should be maintained above 2 and that no re-operations should be performed unless she has a stroke on proper anticogulation control.  A St. Jude has less risk of clotting but the least risk is a tissue valve if she is going to undergo reoperation.  Be sure to make sure she is not on any foods or medications that may be decreasing her coumadin levels (see posting below yours).  If she would like to be seen here for a second opinion please call the number listed below.
I hope you find this information useful.  Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies.  Please feel free to write back with additional questions.
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.  The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.




Dear Lily,
Did you have a follow-up question?  You last posting was blank.














Follow Ups:


Would you replace a Star Edwards 1260 valve that is perfectly fine, but......? Lily Kanter 4/10/1999
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Re: Would you replace a Star Edwards 1260 valve that is perfectly fine, but......? CCF CARDIO MD - CRC 4/14/1999
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