[Long-term outcome of valve prostheses. Apropos of 299 operated patients].

The authors report a series of 299 operated cases betwen 1966 and August 1975. The operative mortality was 16%, usually a result of low output states and arrhytmias. Long-term survival was 74% at 3 years and 64% at 6 years, being better in those with only one valve replacement. The late results were very good taken as a whole. The few poor results were associated especially with a degenerating myocardium. The mitral group were favoured with a better 5 year survival rate and by clinically, and above all haemodynamically severe tricuspid incompetence. Thromboembolic complications, which are a major hazard, were favoured by irregular and inadequate anticoagulant therapy. In patients under 20 it would seem possible to stop after 6 months' effective treatment. Children have had generally better results than adults, probably because of the better state of their myocardium.