[Experience of valve replacement in 16 cases of heart enlargement]

From July 1985 to 1988 Feb. 16 patients with large heart (C-T ratio 65-85%) underwent valve replacements with mechanical valve. Isolated mitral valve replacement was performed in 15 cases and combined aortic and mitral valve replacement in 1. The valvular lesions was rheumatic in origin. The heart function (NYHA) was grade III in 5 cases (32.5%), and IV in 11 (67.5%), 60% of the cases were suffered from moderate or severe pulmonary hypertension. 1 patient died postoperatively. In the survivals the cardiac function was improved and the heart-size reduced distinctly. Some points about the operative results, selection of the time for operation and the postoperative management were discussed.