Aortic valve replacement with the Starr-Edwards prosthesis: a comparison of the first and second decades of follow-up

There are few prostheses in current use that allow 20-year follow-up. This report compares the rates of valve-related complications during the first and second decades following aortic valve replacement with the Silastic ball prosthesis. (table; see text) Valve-related complication rates with this prosthesis have been low overall. Performance characteristics of this valve have remained stable through the second decade of follow-up. These results should be used as the standard in the evaluation of long-term results with other more recently introduced mechanical and tissue valves.