[Surgery of aortic valvulopathies]

75 patients were operated for isolated aortic congenital or acquired valvulopathies (46 men, 25 women and 4 children). 8 patients were reoperated because of functional defects of the artificial valve or paravalvular dehiscence. 3 children from 3 to 10 years of age underwent aortic valvular commissurotomy. The other patients had aortic valve replacement by an artificial valve. Two types of valves were used. In the beginning, we employed the Starr-Edwards valves, models 1200, 2300, 2310 and 2320. Since July 1971, we are using the Björk-Shiley valve. Less pressure gradient across the valve and less hemolysis with Björk-Shiley valve are two important factors in favoring its use. Our hospital mortality has been 5.3% and late mortality also 5.3%. Clinical improvement is observed among 80% of patients in follow-up controls.