Long-term results (from 5 to 7 years) with the Hancock S-G-P bioprosthesis

This communication is concerned with the long-term results of the first 113 patients who underwent single or multiple heart valve replacement with the Hancock-SGP bioprosthesis at the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, University of Padova Medical School, in a two years period (March 1970-March 1972). Hospital mortality was 18.5%; of the 92 survivors, whose follow-up is now 5 to more than 7 years, the authors report the clinical reevaluation, the complications and the causes of late death. Hemodynamic reevaluation has been performed so far in 26 patients and the prostheses have shown to function properly both in the mitral and the aortic position. The data available to date indicate that the glutaraldehyde preserved porcine valve is durable and its use is warranted in any valvular position.