This trial, which is now underway, is expected to enroll approximately 150 patients who have a BSCC heart valve. We will use a special x-ray technique to examine the valves of each patient. Between 1979 and 1986, about 86,000 BSCC valves were implanted worldwide. A small percentage of these valves have developed tiny cracks, which have led to valve failure. The BSCC valve has two legs that support the valve disc.
Valve failure occurs when both legs break.
Physicians hope to use x-rays to identify small cracks for early signs of wear in these metal legs in order to help patients decide if a new valve is needed. The patients presently being contacted are those at highest risk of valve failure. He notes that if a crack or problem is found, the patient may be at further risk for valve failure and should consider valve replacement. We have specialized x-ray fluoroscopy machines and computer systems that allows us to use equipment that is normally used for cardiac catheterizations. By modifying the amount of x-ray and intensifying it, we can obtain a picture of the valve.