Haemodynamic variables and left ventricular function were studied before and after mitral valve replacement in 44 children age 3 to 17 years (mean 11.9 years). Thirty-nine Starr-Edwards prostheses and five Hancock prostheses were used; postoperative study took place two to six months (mean 3.9 months) after operation. Pulmonary hypertension was present preoperatively in most patients, with mean...

BACKGROUND We have used the Starr-Edwards ball (S-E) valve since 1963, the St. Jude Medical (SJM) valve since 1978, and the ATS valve, since 1993 as the first choice of mechanical valve. In this study, the results with each valve during the 40 years were investigated in single mitral valve replacement (MVR) cases. PATIENTS AND METHODS The mean age for S-E valves was 32.8+/-11.1 years old (y.o...

Four new cases of Candida endocarditis after heart surgery are described and predisposing factors are discussed. Details are given of the one patient diagnosed in life and treated successfully with amphotericin B. CASE REPORTS CASE 1 A 29-year-old man had suffered for five years from progressive angina and breathlessness on effort due to aortic stenosis. On 6 January 1966 his bicuspid, tightly ...

SUMMARY Direct current conversion of atrial fibrillation has been attempted in 60 consecutive patients following prosthetic mitral valve replacement (Starr-Edwards prosthesis). Sinus rhythm was attained and persisted for at least 24 hours after the procedure in 68% (41 patients) and 40% of the entire group (24 patients) were still in normal sinus rhythm an average of 10 months later. Successful...