The risk of thromboembolism following valvular operations: how does one know?

The adequacy of published reports for providing valid information on the risk of thromboembolism after valvular heart operations is questioned, and this concern is supported by a review of recently published reports of the late results of such operations. None of the 51 reports sampled was considered completely adequate. The average rating for the reports, on a scale of 0 to 17, was only 7.6. Investigations will need to be improved in the future if this extremely important consideration in choosing the correct procedure for managing valvular heart disease is to be properly addressed.