title: Cardiothoracic surgery.
abstract: The necessity for making a major incision for a thoracic operation has been challenged. A continuing concern for patients with prosthetic cardiac valves and their physicians is the possibility of a defective prosthesis.
authors.affiliation: Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh.
authors.forename: G J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Magovern
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Magovern
mesh_terms: D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D013903:Thoracic Surgery / Q000639:trends*; D014481:United States