[Hemodynamic comparison of Starr-Edwards, Lillehei-Kaster and homograft valves in the mitral position (author's transl)].

In 16 patients with Starr-Edwards (SE) disc valves, 10 patients with Lillehei-Kaster (LK) valves, and 4 patients with fresh aortic homografts (HG) in the mitral position the hemodynamic qualities of the valves were studied. All three valve types in general showed similar results, but they differed clearly as far as special parameters are concerned. So SE valves had the highest pressure gradients, HG valves the lowest, whereas LK valves were in between. The results of the study lead to the conclusion that tilting disc valves implanted in the mitral position are the best compromise, since they are always available and their hemodynamic response can be tolerated.