Dr. Albert Starr, the co-inventor of the first successful artificial heart valve, has passed away at the age of 98 due to complications from a recent surgery. His groundbreaking work in cardiovascular medicine revolutionized the field and saved countless lives worldwide.
Starr’s development of the Starr-Edwards valve, which has been used in over 800,000 implants globally, marked a significant turning point in medical history. He earned top honors in medicine, including the 2007 Lasker Award and the 2015 Grand Prix Scientifique.
As a pioneering cardiac-surgery program leader, Starr performed Oregon’s first heart transplant in 1985 and continued to advance cardiac care throughout his career. His work transformed the approach to caring for cardiovascular disease, increasing the quality of life and quantity of life for millions worldwide.
Born in Brooklyn in 1926, Starr was a multi-talented individual who supported himself as a jazz pianist while pursuing his medical degree from Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1949. He went on to establish Oregon’s first open-heart surgery program and co-developed the Starr-Edwards valve with engineer M. Lowell Edwards.
Starr is survived by his wife, Victoria; sons, David Starr and Dr. Philip Starr; and three grandchildren. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Source: https://www.oregonlive.com/health/2024/12/dr-albert-starr-oregon-co-inventor-of-the-first-successful-artificial-heart-valve-dies-at-98.html