Comments on: Epic Stented Valve Receives FDA Approval

By: Matt Arnett

Matt Arnett — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 21:30:53 +0000

My mother is having her St. Jude Epic prosthesis valve replaced tomorrow after only 11 months. The odd thing is that up until the last three weeks the two Cardiac Surgeons at this hospital had NEVER had a valve go so bad so quickly, yet they have had three Epic valves fail in the past three weeks.
They will be contacting the FDA and I will be researching other hospitals in other states to see if this is a localized coincidence or if the valve is flawed. If so, St. Jude will definitely be hearing directly from me.
Needless to say, she will not replace the Epic valve with an identical model. I wish my best to all who have needed valve replacements,
Matt

By: bruce wagner

bruce wagner — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 18:52:00 +0000

make sure one does all his/her research before implanting this valve….make sure you read and understand the data, paper of 17 years. if you know how to read medical journals….this paper will shock you

By: Cheryl Boney

Cheryl Boney — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 22:13:08 +0000

Wow! I guess I was just a few weeks (months) early. Oh well, can’ t worry. Guess it just good to know if I outlive this new porcine valve there will be something more advanced. As my local cardiologist said yesterday “just imagine how far they will have advanced in the surgical part of this if you do outlive it.” I’ve sporadically had a few lower energy days (2-3) and today have neck and shoulder pain that may be because I sat in a chair and made out dozens of Christmas cards! If this persists I may be forced to take something stronger than Tylenol. Haven’t had actual depression just blah. Getting a little bored at home but I start Cardiac Rehab. Mon. the 10th at St. Agnes Hospital in Fresno. I guess since I zipped through the first two weeks I was unprepared for fatigue and the blahs. So….back to your book I went for validation that it is normal. Funny how the word normal becomes so important during recovery. Also had a few tears which actually made me feel better. Oh well, I know there is light at the end of the tunnel.

By: Adam Pick

Adam Pick — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 19:05:11 +0000

Hi Amy,

Thanks so much for your quick response! I, and all the other folks who read this blog, really appreciate it!

Keep on tickin,

Adam

By: Amy Meyer

Amy Meyer — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 17:53:30 +0000

Hi Adam –

I saw in your post you couldn’t tell whether the new Epic valve is porcine or bovine. Just thought I’d like you know that it is porcine with pericardial strip just like Biocor.

Hope all is well with you,

Amy Jo Meyer
St. Jude Medical
651-766-3029