Starr–Edwards ball caged mechanical heart valves’ reverberations – Need for a Phoenix of analysis with a critical mindset

Abstract

The mechanical heart valve prosthesis with a caged ball has been around for 60 years. It has since experienced changes and adjustments. The Starr–Edwards (SE) valve was a pioneer and was taken out of clinical use in the late 2000s. SE is reportedly close to or has reached the age of 50, according to numerous sources from around the globe. The author’s observations and review of the literature about thrombogenicity, pannus formation, left ventricular outflow tract obstructions, and infective endocarditis in the SE valves, which were reportedly higher before its clinical ending, were only an overestimation and were not supported by scientific data. However, it was less discussed in the article, along with potential benefits. The main reasons for its demise were its obtrusive size and unattractive shape. There have been several successful implantations of these valves in Asian nations and reports of fewer primary failures and unexpected cardiac fatalities. Therefore, there is a need for extensive data gathering, documentation, and more recent studies on these valves to prepare for a prospective revival of use with newer research, mainly when long-term durability is considered.