[Evolution and current problems in reconstructive surgery of the heart valves].

Progress of valvular cardio-surgery is reviewed. Advantages and shortcomings of mitral commissurotomy are discussed; to-day, the operation falls short of providing the hemodynamic effect achievable by using up-to-date valvular prosthetic appliances. Specific features of valve-sparing operations on the mitral and tricuspid valves are considered; modified tricuspid annuloplasty is described. The evolution of artificial valve prostheses is reviewed; good results with the use of biological calf xenopericardium prostheses are mentioned. The use of artificial and biological prostheses can at present provide better opportunities for the correction of valvular defects of the heart.