J.Jpn. Surg. Soc.. 102(4): 320-324, 2001

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Feature topic

LONG-TEAM RESULTS OF AORTIC VALVE REPLACEMENT

In order to improve the quality of life after cardiac valvular surgery, new procedures and new prostheses have been developed in the past decade. Surgeons have many alternatives for the individual patient. However, some may only represent a trend without any clinical advantage, some may increase the surgical risk, and some may have limited indications for specific types of heart disease. Therefore the selection of the procedure and prosthesis is very important. The new mechanical valves have a thinner ring and cuff, providing a larger orifice for patients with a small aortic annulus, and enlargement procedures are now rarely required. Secondgeneration biological valves have been used for more than 15 years. In the aortic position in elderly patients, the rate of freedom from structural deterioration is over 90% at 15 years. The stentless valve is the most notable newer prosthesis and has significant hemodynamic advantages, associated with good myocardial remodeling.

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