NEARLY HALF A CENTURY OF LILLEHEI KASTER VALVE AT AORTIC POSITION: A HISTORIC CASE REPORT

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The Lillehei–Kaster pivoting-disc valve was an important early low-profile mechanical heart valve(1). Its titanium housing and free-floating pyrolytic-carbon disc were designed to promote central blood flow and provide long-term mechanical durability(1). These features make its sustained use in the aortic position particularly relevant to understanding the  history and performance of mechanical valve design.