Current status of valve prostheses.
The deterioration in cardiac function caused by a valvular lesion frequently can be halted or reversed by timely surgery. This article discusses the principles used to decide when surgery is beneficial and briefly reviews current indications for operation in the more common acquired and congenital valve lesions. The factors influencing the choice of a valve prosthesis are also discussed.
D000367:Age Factors; D001022:Aortic Valve Insufficiency / Q000601:surgery; D001024:Aortic Valve Stenosis / Q000601:surgery; D001705:Bioprosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects; D004868:Equipment Failure; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D008943:Mitral Valve; D008944:Mitral Valve Insufficiency / Q000601:surgery; D008946:Mitral Valve Stenosis / Q000601:surgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000209:etiology; D013997:Time Factors