[Cardiac valve replacement in patients over 70 years (author's transl)]

39 patients aged 70 years and over, 24 males and 15 females underwent valve replacement at Groote Schuur Hospital between 1969 and 1979. 30 patients were affected from aortic valve disease, 6 from mitral valve disease and 3 from mixed mitral and aortic valve disease. The rate of postoperative complications have remained low, and specific complications for this age group have not been observed. 38 patients have been followed up for 1-120 months (mean 30 months). The majority of patients have experienced a remarkable functional improvement. The findings indicate that valve surgery can be performed in the older age group with the same low risk observed in the younger patients.