Repost: The World Longest Living Heart Valve Recipient

[drc98]

Just came across this, there appears to have a long life for many avrers!

http://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/...ing-survivor-guinness-book-valve-replacement/

 

[Mentu]

Hi, and thanks for the post. I've wondered if any those who received the very early valve replacement were still functioning. The first was of course, Philip Amundson, whose valve was replaced at the University of Portland on 21 September, 1960. Here in VR we have Dick (dick0236) whose replacement was in 1967 and he still lives with his original valve. It is pretty fantastic to learn that someone is alive and well who had one of the very first replacements. Robert Baker's surgery was on 07 October, 1960, in Cleveland, OH, however, unlike our Dick, Mr Baker no longer lives with his original valve. Here is the entry from Guinness:

http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/records-3000/longest-survivor-of-an-artificial-aortic-valve-replacement/

Larry

 

[dick0236]

I've wondered if any those who received the very early valve replacement were still functioning.
Larry

About 6 years ago I contacted Dr. Starr(co-developer of my valve) by email to thank him for his efforts. He responded and told me that several of those old valves where still functioning. When my valve was implanted, they apparently did not use serial numbers to identify those who received a valve and when I requested an ID card, Edwards Lifesciences sent one that identifies my valve as "UNK-178.....so I guess that at least 177 people had valves still in use many years after being implanted. My hunch is that there are a couple that are older than mine. My goal is to get 50 years out of mine.....3+ years to go......LOL

 

[pellicle]

Hi

About 6 years ago I contacted Dr. Starr(co-developer of my valve) by email to thank him for his efforts. He responded and told me that several of those old valves where still functioning.

wonderful story, thanks Its always nice to hear of those in medicine who are there because they care about people (not their salary).

When my valve was implanted, they apparently did not use serial numbers ... one that identifies my valve as "UNK-178.

HAH I knew it ... hence forth (in my mind) you will be the Man from UNKle

My goal is to get 50 years out of mine.....3+ years to go......LOL

and then after that ... a few more at least.