[HSF] Pannus formation

[Nasser F. Abou'Seada]

Dear Prasanna 
another proof that the presence of the valve as a foreign body per se
elicits pannus formation as a reaction ..... in fact, as you have mentioned
here .... I agree with you that the SUTURE TECHNIQUE and plan of tissues as
opposed to the implanted prosthesis... is more deciding for pannus
formation, than the mere presence of the prosthesis itself per se.  

I do concur with your observation about Omniscience / Omnicarbon valves ....
I used to call them Ominous-sign valves ... !! ....
Incidentally another proof that the TYPE of the prosthesis is more deciding
for/relating to pannus formation rather than the mere presence of the
prosthesis itself as a foreign body ...!! 

NFA

> From: prasannasimha
> Great James,
> Incidentally did you use non-everting or everting sutures this time ?
> This "underside" pannus seems to be a common mode of failure of
> prosthetic valves. As I said using a noneverting suture technique in the
> aortic position has sharply reduced its incidence in my practice.
> I did find a higher incidence when we were using Omniscience and
> Omnicarbon valves
> Prasanna