The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Vol 45, 227-228, Copyright © 1988 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Method for removal of the St. Jude valve
A Palmer
Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, IL 60611.
A method is presented for removal of the St. Jude Medical valve when it
must be replaced with another prosthesis. The sewing ring is transected in
the radial direction, freeing the rigid portion of the valve. This is then
removed, allowing the remainder of the sewing ring to be excised under
direct vision. This method simplifies and increases the safety of this
procedure.