[Heart valve replacement]

Abstract

From 1965 to 1980, the authors accumulated vast experience by operating on 2500 diseased heart valves. Some of these patients had one, two, or three valves replaced. Among the two/three patients, there was a monovalvular problem in III, and more than half the patients with multivalvular problems in IV functional group NYHA. In group II there were only one/three patients with stenosis of the aortic valve. Because of the advanced stage of the disease among the group II patients, the following conditions were often present: heart insufficiency, manifest lung hypertension, cardiomegaly, and pronounced arrhythmia with damage to the kidneys. The risk in such cases is significantly greater. In total, 2941 valves were built. 74% had a normal postoperative recovery, 9,2% died; and 14,2% suffered complications that were remedied. Among the complications were insufficiency of the heart, arrhythmia, hemorrhage, transitory cerebral damage, and tracheobronchial infections. Thus, it can be seen that valve replacement as a treatment for significant hemodynamic disturbances is an effective method of surgical treatment. Improved results, reduction of complications, and few fatalities signal the advancement in such treatment.