The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Vol 22, 362-368, Copyright © 1976 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Clinical evaluation of the Lillehei-Kaster pivoting-disc valve
PJ Starek, LP McLaurin, BR Wilcox and GF Murray
A four-year clinical evaluation of 133 patients with Lillehei-Kaster
pivoting-disc valves has shown that patients with an aortic valve
prosthesis have remained free from valve-related problems. Patients with a
mitral valve implanted have a satisfactory survival record as calculated by
actuarial methods; however, a 10% incidence of valve thrombosis was
experienced. Analysis suggests that this may be related to inadequate
anticoagulation or use of an inappropriate suturing technique or both. The
patients enjoyed significant clinical improvement following operation, with
no evidence of hemolysis. A history suggestive of postoperative
embolization was present in only 1 patient in this series.