Long-term follow-up studies after homograft replacement of the mitral valve. Canadian Medical Association journal Graham, A. F., Schroeder, J. S., Daily, P. O., HARRISON, D. C. 1972; 107 (6): 516-519

Abstract

Follow-up studies on 132 patients who have received fresh aortic homograft replacement of the mitral valve since May 1967 indicate good long-term function of the valve. Clinically the majority of patients are greatly improved and are free from the risks of long-term anticoagulant therapy. Hemodynamic studies performed on 13 patients at 25 to 41 months postoperatively showed a significant decrease in left atrial and pulmonary artery pressures with a small increase in cardiac output. Late deterioration of the homograft produced severe insufficiency in four cases and organic stenosis in two cases. Reasons for isolated deterioration are suggested.

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