Nina Starr Braunwald Cardiovascular Research Film Collection

The seventeen titles, arranged roughly in chronological order, were created between 1960 and 1965. They highlight Dr. Nina Starr Braunwald's research and experimentation in heart valve replacement. These films show the variety of techniques she used along with prototypes of several models of artificial valves, ranging from the ceramic artificial valve to the Teflon ball valve prosthesis. The reel titles were transcribed from film cans, and the item level descriptions are based on information found in individual cards containing production and film description information provided by the Medical Arts and Photography Branch at NIH, which filmed the surgeries.

1 reel.

Circulation in the dog's heart is monitored post-surgery. This film is on the same reel as Mitral Valve and-or Mitral Valvulotomy.

The valve is opened and cleared out in an attempt to create space within it. This film is on the same reel as Canine Heart Surgery.

Leader says Canine Heart Surg. Artif. Mitral Valve.

1 reel.

The heart valve pumps with the assistance of the pulse duplicator machine.

1 reel.

The heart valve pumps with the assistance of the pulse duplicator machine.

1 reel.

The blood pumps through the replacement heart valve, and the valve is shown from another angle.

1 reel.

The aortic heart valve is pumping blood.

1 reel.

The film depicts the pouring of a ceramic mold to form the shape of the valve as well as the brushing of adhesive onto the valve. The heart valve mold is formed, and stitches are attached. Some scenes show sketches of the heart and other chest organs. There is a comparison of pre-and post-operation heart beat monitoring. The valve is sewn into the heart but without a strong heartbeat.

Notes say that the copy is a duplicate negative and shows footage of the entire process of implanting the artificial valve and watching it pump. There may be a soundtrack that was not transferred with this collection.

1 reel.

The artificial heart valve is depicted pumping shortly after surgery as the stitches around the valve are shown.

1 reel.

The mitral valve is shown pumping, likely shortly post surgery, as the tissue had not completely healed.

1 reel.

The aortic valve is shown from both sides. One of the sides of the valve has deteriorating tissue.

1 reel.

The artificial valve is pumping after a completed surgery. The tissue surrounding the valve has begun to heal.

1 reel.

The heart valve is shown pumping and then opening and closing.

1 reel.

A bottle of Eastman 910 Monomer, a tissue adhesive, is used during this surgery. Levophed, which stimulates adrenergic receptors, is also applied to the incision. The heartbeat accelerates, then the opening is sealed. At the end of the film, the incision ruptures.

1 reel.

This version is similar to film no. A-235, though it is longer. An incision is made, and Eastman 910 Monomer and Levophed are applied to help stanch bleeding. The film also show the testing of the adhesive.

Note on can says 5 minute copy.

1 reel.

Pacemaker wires are stretched and bounced at different speeds to see how they move and work while attached to a pacemaker and heart muscles.

Note on leader says original color and black and white.

1 reel.

The thoracic cage is sawed open and blood is drained from the aortic valve. Circulation to the valve is restricted, damaged tissue is removed, and a new Teflon prosthesis, a ball valve model, is inserted. The ball valve is lowered into the chest, sewn in, and the chest cavity is closed.

Note states that the fiilm was produced by the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare and that it is a duplicate negative.

3 reels.

Reel 1: There is an incision into an organ. Adhesive is applied to the top of the incision. The adhesive is then tested for its bonding ability. This film is related to "New Adhesive in Dogs" parts 2 and 3 but appears to be the complete version with no missing scenes.

Reel 2: Similar in content to part 1, though portions are dark and images obscured.

Reel 3: Appears identical to parts 1 and 2. There are missing scenes when the reel becomes dark.