First aortic valve replacement

[Beverly]

I'm wondering if anyone knows how long ago the first aortic valve replacement was done using a St. Judes valve and if that patient is still clicking?
I remember when I had mine done in 1990 my surgeon said something about one that was done 20 years before and still functioning. I would be interested in any information anyone may have on this subject.

 

[Nancy]

Hi Beverly-

Don't know about St. Jude, but my husband Joe has a Bjork-Shiley aortic which is 25 years old and still clicking along. It's built like a tank.

 

[Nancy]

I just checked out the St. Jude website, and they say the first one was implanted in 1977. There's a link for the site on the main page of this site under Heart links (at the top)