[Late results of closed mitral commissurotomy]

The remote results of closed mitral comissurotomy were studied in 400 patients during a follow-up period of 7 years. The results were appraised on the basis of the stage of hemodynamic disorders (classification proposed by A.N. Bakulev and E.A. Damir), disability, and working capacity. Five years after the operation good remote results were noted only in 58% of patients, which is explained by inadequate correction of the defect by the closed method due to the frequently encountered gross morphologic changes in the valve cusps. For greater objectivity in the assessment of the remote results it is suggested to use the term "without objective improvement" instead of "satisfactory results" because the former reflects the patient's condition and the state of hemodynamic disorders in greater measure.