Improved results of closed commissurotomy for mitral stenosis using ultracardiography as selective ground.

The outcome was analysed in 122 of 124 patients with mitral stenosis subjected to closed commissurotomy 1967-1977. The follow-up time was 1-11 years. Postoperative improvement was seen in 79% of the patients, but after about 5 years, 15% of them had started to decline. A mitral prosthesis has been inserted in 13 patients reoperated so far.