title: Medtronic-Hall valve replacement in a Third World population group.
abstract: In a twenty-month period, 396 Medtronic-Hall valves were inserted in 341 patients belonging to a Third World population group. Approximately 20% of the patients were given anticoagulants. The total follow-up period was 353 patient years (mean 13 months per patient). Late valve-related mortality was 3.6% patient years (excluding ring leaks) with a valve failure rate (VFR) of 4.0%/patient year. The incidence of thromboembolic complications was 6.8%/patient year while valve thrombosis occurred in 7 patients (2.0%/patient year). Hemolysis was generally subclinical, but 2 patients without ring leaks required transfusion. The initial late results compare favorably with those of St. Jude Medical valve replacement in a similar population group. The supreme test for any substitute heart valve is its successful application in a third world population group because its inadequacies are highlighted by an increased VFR and morbidity.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005006:Ethnicity; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects; D006461:Hemolysis; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000401:mortality; D013019:South Africa; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000209:etiology