Dr. Albert Starr, Oregon co-inventor of the first successful artificial heart valve, dies at 98

Dr. Albert Starr, the Oregon surgeon who co-invented the first successful artificial heart valve, died Dec. 11 at 98. His work marked a turning point in cardiovascular medicine, with the development of the Starr-Edwards valve, which has since saved hundreds of thousands of lives worldwide.

The cause of Starr’s death was complications from a recent surgery, his family said.

“Albert Starr embodied the highest qualities of a physician, an innovator and a teacher. Through his commitment, he touched the lives of hundreds of thousands of patients and families over the years,” said Steve Stadum, interim president of Oregon Health and Science University. “Even after co-inventing and implanting the world’s first artificial heart valve, Dr. Starr continued to revolutionize the field, partnering with like-minded scientists, surgeons and medical-device engineers around the globe to fine-tune and improve his work and to discover new and better ways to heal hearts.”

The valve has been used in more than 800,000 implants worldwide. Starr’s work earned him top honors in medicine, including the 2007 Lasker Award and the 2015 Grand Prix Scientifique. He performed Oregon’s first heart transplant in 1985 and continued to advance cardiac care throughout his career, leading cardiac-surgery programs at both OHSU and Providence Health.

“Dr. Al Starr was a true pioneer in cardiac care,” said Dr. Dan Oseran, Executive Medical Director of Providence Heart Institute. “He helped create Providence Heart Institute, and his passion for medicine and for educating the next generation of physicians and caregivers was unmatched.”

When Starr received the Lasker Award, Joseph Goldstein, chairman of the scientific selection committee, highlighted how much had changed since Starr’s pioneering work started in the late 1950s: “Fifty years ago, heart-valve replacement surgery did not exist. Today, it is the second-most common cardiac surgery in the United States and one of the most successful.”

Starr’s work in cardiovascular surgery spanned six decades. He remained active in research and training, serving as professor emeritus at the OHSU Knight Cardiovascular Institute until his death.

“Dr. Starr transformed the approach to caring for cardiovascular disease,” said Dr. Joaquin Cigarroa, director of the OHSU Knight Cardiovascular Institute and professor of cardiovascular medicine in the OHSU School of Medicine. “The invention of the artificial heart valve increased the quality of life and quantity of life for people around the world.”

Born June 1, 1926, in Brooklyn, Starr studied liberal arts at Columbia College in New York City while supporting himself as a jazz pianist. He earned his medical degree from Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1949. Starr served as a battalion surgeon in Korea, gaining experience at a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital unit before returning to complete his residency in thoracic surgery.

In 1957, Starr was recruited by the University of Oregon Medical School (now OHSU) to establish Oregon’s first open-heart surgery program. By 1960, he and retired engineer M. Lowell Edwards developed the Starr-Edwards valve, which treated end-stage mitral valve disease. The same year, Starr and colleagues performed the world’s first successful artificial heart valve replacement.

He 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.

— Chiara Profenna covers religion, faith and cultural connections. Reach her at 503-221-4327; [email protected] or @chiara-profenna on BlueSky.