[The porcine bioprosthetic valve in mitral positions: ten years later]

The long-term results in the elective patients undergoing the isolated mitral valve replacement operated by the porcine bioprosthesis upon in 1979 have been retrospectively analyzed. 33 patients received the Hancock porcine xenografts and 6 patients received the Carpentier-Edwards porcine xenografts. Overall operative mortality was not experienced, but late deaths were 6 cases. Reoperation rate was 35% (13/39). Major cause for reoperations was primary valve failure. Freedom rate from reoperation was 57% (22/39) over ten years follow up. I, currently do not restrict so strongly my indication for valve replacement with porcine xenograft because of low risk of reoperation.