[Fate of Starr-Edwards prostheses in the mitral position. Prognostic factors. Apropos of 309 cases].

The authors report the long-term results of 309 patients undergoing isolated mitral valve replacement with a 6120 Starr Edwards mitral valve prosthesis in the great majority of cases, mainly for rheumatic mitral valve disease, with predominant mitral regurgitation. The average age was 26 +/- 14 years with 25% of children. The operative mortality was 9% and late mortality after a mean follow-up period of 4 years was 13,5% mainly due to thromboembolic complications and to myocardial dysfunction. The long-term results with an average 45 month follow-up showed a 10 year survival rate of 70,6% with an excellent clinical result in 71% of cases and an acceptable result in 10%; 20% of patients were considered poor long-term results because of myocardial dysfunction and thromboembolic complications. Endocarditis and perivalvular leaks were rarely observed (9 cases). A study of preoperative parameters which could influence long-term results showed that the quality of long-term survival was significantly correlated to age, the duration of cardiac disease before surgery, cardiomegaly and the presence of preoperative cardiac failure and tricuspid regurgitation. The incidence of thromboembolism was 4,7% patient years and the frequency of these complications was not related to the quality of anti-vitamin-K therapy. Patients under effective anticoagulant therapy had the highest incidence of haemorrhage (10%). This study confirms that the Starr Edwards 6120 prosthesis is a satisfactory choice for mitral valve replacement considering its durability (no cases of abnormal wear) and the 70% ten year survival rate. The problem of myocardial dysfunction could be resolved by earlier surgery.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)