[Clinical and hemodynamic evaluation on the functional performance of the Starr-Edwards low profile valve prosthese in mitral position (author's transl)].

205 patients with isolated mitral valve replacement using the Starr-Edwards low profile valve prostheses (model 6520 and 6550) were followed 3 to 67 months (mean of 30,4 months) after surgery. While these prostheses seems to reliable substitutes with regard to functional performance and to mechanical dysfunction, postoperative hemodynamic investigation revealed significant diastolic pressure gradients across the valve as well as reduction in functional mitral valve area relative to pulse and stroke volume. The incidence of thromboembolism was comparable to other artificial valves.