Reliability of Sulzer CarboMedics valves

Braveheart · Nov 25, 2001

Hi Friends

Does anyone know anything about the relaibility of the CarboMedics heart valve prostehsis??

I have a 27mm CarboMedics 'CarboSeal' (Aortic Valve and Dacron Conduit). I had my implant 3 years ago. I do have a 'trivial' leak known as a paraprosthetic leak, but the cardio has assured me it's 'trivial'. They check it with an echo each year.

Now the reason why I am enquiring the relaibility of these valves is that yesterday someone put a message up on the Grown Up Congenital Heart website (www.guch.co.uk)regarding his need for a redo aortic valve replacement 6 years after the implant. This gentleman has a CarboMedics prosthesis, so this set my mind off again. Worrying about things. I was originally told these valves are extremely reliable, with something like 290,000 implanted worldwide. They are based on the same design as the St. Jude with two pyrolitic carbon, hinged leaflets.

Just interested to know if anyone else has one of these valves and are they OK??

Many thanks,

Jonathan (West Sussex, Great Britain)
Coarctation of Aorta Repair - 1985
AVR and Root - 1998
Repair of Descending Aortic Aneurysm - 1999
3 cardiac catheters

John & Joann · Nov 25, 2001

Cleveland Clinic informed us in 1998 that Carbomedics never had a valve failure. They manufactured St. Jude valves for many years.

Cleveland Clinic recommends them with total confidence.

cookie · Nov 26, 2001

valves

valves

Hi Everyone!
While we are on the subject, I have the same question as Braveheart except my valve is a Medtronic Hall Valved Collagen Conduit. I never hear anyone mention this one. My surgeon is very well known in our area (Columbus, Ohio) and this is the only one he uses. Any thoughts?

Gail in Ca · Nov 26, 2001

I also have a sulzer carbomedics valve, which replaced a porcine I had for 11 years.
It's 22mm and from what I have read about them,
is very reliable. My cardilogist says it's the last aortic valve I will need. He says they are tested by opening and closing them a gazillion times. This sounds good to me. I don't worry about this at all anymore.
Gail

LUVMyBirman · Nov 27, 2001

Cookie

Cookie

Hi Cookie

Have had my Medtronic Hall mitral valve for almost three years now. Performing just fine.

Tammy has had hers for 12 years. "Awesome valve" she told me when we met in Nashville

.

I don't think one valve is better than the next as long as they do the job, right? If you are feeling good.... that is what counts the most!

cookie · Nov 27, 2001

Gina M.

Gina M.

Gina,
Whew! That's a relief! I was beginning to think I was the Lone Ranger! Feel good and got an A-OK from doc for a year until next checkup. Thanks for replying.