Results of Open Operation for Acquired Mitral-Valve Disease

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Abstract
VARIOUS technics are now available for the open correction of acquired mitral-valve disease. Reconstructive methods first introduced by Lillehei and his associates1 have been improved by others,2 3 4 5 6 7 but, more importantly, the clinical introduction of prosthetic valves8 9 10 has provided a solution to many technical problems that could not be resolved by reconstructive efforts. Opinions differ about the precise indications for open versus closed procedures on the mitral valve, and more particularly about the indications for replacement as opposed to reconstructive procedures when open operation is performed. In an effort to clarify some of these uncertainties, we have reviewed our total experience . . .