Closed mitral valvotomy in the older subject. Results in 367 consecutive patients

To determine the safety, efficacy, operative mortality, and long-term results, we reviewed 367 patients with mitral stenosis above the age of 40 who underwent mitral valvotomy. In this study, the majority of the subjects belonged to functional Class III and IV (97%) of the New York Heart Association (NYHA). Atrial fibrillation was associated in 38 percent and mitral valve calcification in 24 percent. The hospital mortality was 6.3 percent. Only 1 patient developed severe mitral regurgitation requiring emergency valve replacement. Early postoperative embolism occurred in only 1% of those who were in atrial fibrillation and had preoperative anticoagulation. Long-term results indicate an 85.6 percent survival at the end of 24 years with a very low incidence of restenosis. Late death occurred in 4.6%. These findings support our continuing experience and impression that closed transventricular valvotomy remains the most effective palliative operation in the treatment of most patients with mitral stenosis. With the increasing need for cost containment in health care, this technique of closed transventricular valvotomy assumes even greater importance.