Clinical Experience with a New Discoid Prosthesis for Mitral Valve Replacement

Abstract

One hundred sixty patients underwent mitral valve replacement with the Cooley-Bloodwell-Cutter prosthesis over an 18-month period. Hospital mortality was 13 percent and cumulative mortality 31 percent. Factors affecting mortality were concomitant valve operations and more than one previous mitral commissurotomy. Age, one previous mitral commissurotomy, and pulmonary hypertension did not influence mortality. The causes of death are noted. Thromboembolic complications occurred in 51 patients representing 32 percent of the series. A careful follow-up comprising 95 percent of the patients showed a late emboli rate of 22 percent. These figures are higher than had been anticipated and changes in the valve design are necessary in order to reduce emboli. One hundred sixty patients underwent mitral valve replacement with the Cooley-Bloodwell-Cutter prosthesis over an 18-month period. Hospital mortality was 13 percent and cumulative mortality 31 percent. Factors affecting mortality were concomitant valve operations and more than one previous mitral commissurotomy. Age, one previous mitral commissurotomy, and pulmonary hypertension did not influence mortality. The causes of death are noted. Thromboembolic complications occurred in 51 patients representing 32 percent of the series. A careful follow-up comprising 95 percent of the patients showed a late emboli rate of 22 percent. These figures are higher than had been anticipated and changes in the valve design are necessary in order to reduce emboli.