[Long-term follow-up of prosthetic heart valves]

257 patients underwent single or double heart valve replacement between 1964-1986. In 141 (55%) after isolated mitral valve replacement, operative mortality was 14.8% and after 5, 10, 15 and 20 years, actuarial survival was 84%, 70%, 59% and 44%, respectively. In 70 who underwent isolated aortic valve replacement, operative mortality was 7.1% and after 5, 10, 15 and 20 years, actuarial survival was 85%, 85%, 72% and 72%. In 46 who underwent combined aortic and mitral replacement, operative mortality was 4.3% and after 5, 10 and 15 years, actuarial survival was 78%, 71% and 71%.