Risk factors in mitral valve replacements
Ben-Ismail, M.; Enriquez-Sarano, L.; Ben-Hamida, A.; Richard, C.; Cabane, J.
Archives des Maladies du Coeur et des Vaisseaux 70(5): 451-459
1977
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-9683 PMID: 407857 Document Number: 111865
The authors report 137 isolated mitral valve replacements carried out between 1966 and 1975, with an operative mortality of 13.1%. Certain risk factors are demonstrable:--from the clinical point of view: previous cardiac surgery, 3 or more attacks of cardiac failure, a prolonged preoperatives course, atrial fibrillation, and cardiomegaly on the X ray. The combination of these risk factors is very serious as when three or more risk factors are operative at the same time, the mortality is 40%. Reduced ventricular function preoperatively was an essential factor governing operative mortality; improved results follow earlier indications for surgery.