[Experience in the care of patients with artificial heart valves]

Author reports of 164 cases, 145 of whom received mechanic artificial valves and 19 bioprosthesis. 76 valves were implanted in mitral position, 65 in aorta position, 19 in mitral and aorta position, and 4 valves were localized in other positions. Follow-up was 5.9 years meanly. During care paravalvular insufficiency (11 cases) and infectious endocarditis (9 cases) were observed most frequently. Thromboembolic complications developed in 6 patients, artificial-valve-thrombosis and severe haemorrhage occurred in four cases respectively. During care 32 patients died. This is a 5.4 p.c. mortality. The most frequent causes of death were left-ventricle insufficiency (10) and infectious endocarditis (8). Artificial valve thrombosis and subdural haemorrhage lead to death in three cases respectively. Author discusses anticoagulant treatment and emphasizes the importance of regular control to avoid complications and to discover them at an early stage.