Abstract
Postoperative functions of porcine xenograft (XG) (Carpentier-Edwards) in patients (pts) and pericardial XG (Ionescu-Shiley) in 5 pts were evaluated an average of 13 months after mitral valve replacement. Hemodynamic and cineangiographic investigations were performed to assess left ventricular (LV) functions and to see the movements of the XG leaflets on axial view.
1) Incomplete opening of the porcine XG in mitral position was related to the postoperative LV function. In pts with poor LV function, decreased mitral valvular flow was obligated to open incompletely the leaflet of the XG, and apical leaflet of the XG was tend to be affected and form a thrombus firstly.
2) Pericardial XG showed good movement about one year after mitral valve replacement.
3) We now consider that mechanical prosthesis has simple movement, which will not be affected by post-operative hemodynamics, and it is preferable to use tilting valve in mitral position under well-controlled anticoagulant therapy.
