Clinical and Hemodynamic Findings Following Replacement of the Mitral Valve with a Beall Valve Prosthesis (Dacron Velour-Covered Teflon-Disc Valve)

Abstract

The first 21 survivors of mitral valve replacement with a Beall valve prosthesis were evaluated clinically and hemodynamically five months after surgery. Significant clinical improvement was noted in 18 of 21 patients. When compared with preoperative data, a significant improvement occurred in pulmonary artery and left atrial pressures, cardiac index, pulmonary vascular resistance, and in the mitral valve gradient. However, the majority of the patients still had mildly elevated left atrial and pulmonary artery pressures secondary to a mean resting prosthetic gradient of 7 mm Hg. Right heart pacing and exercise significantly increased the gradient and left atrial and pulmonary artery pressures. A remarkable freedom from thromboembolic complications was noted in this series of patients.