[Comparative study of type of prosthesis on late results after double valve replacement]

This study was performed to clear the influence of combination of prostheses on late results by comparing our patients. The patients were divided into two groups. Group I patients received a mechanical valve in the aortic position and a bioprosthesis in the mitral position (n = 25): and group II, dual mechanical valves (n = 89). The duration of follow-up ranged from 0.2 to 13.5 years, with a total of 466 patient-years. There was no difference between the two groups in terms of actuarial survival or incidence of reoperations, thromboemboli, or nonstructural dysfunction. Group I, however, had a significantly greater incidence of structural valve deterioration, anticoagulant-related hemorrhage, and all valve-related morbidity and mortality when compared with group II. In conclusion, 1. combining a mechanical valve and a bioprosthesis is disadvantageous: 2. dual mechanical valves have excellent long-term results.