Prosthetic Heart Valves, Part I: Identification and Potential Complications

The St. Jude Medical (SJM) Standard® bileaflet valve (St. Jude Medical)

This valve is reputedly the "gold standard" against which most mechanical valves are compared. It has been on the market for over 25 years ( Table 2 ).^[2,19] The valve housing is made of graphite coated with pyrolytic carbon, as are the leaflets.^[2,19] The leaflets are impregnated with tungsten to allow valve visualization during radiography.^[2,19] Worldwide, this is the most commonly used MHV.

Thromboembolism is the most common nonstructural complication of SJM® mechanical valves.^[20] Loss of structural integrity has been reported in a small number of cases. One case of postoperative leaflet dislodgment has been reported.^[20]

Geriatrics and Aging. 2006;9(10):691-696. © 2006  1453987 Ontario, Ltd.

Cite this: Prosthetic Heart Valves, Part I: Identification and Potential Complications - Medscape - Jan 11, 2006.