[Valvular prostheses and their follow-up].
In use since 1961, valvular prostheses allow the correction of the severe valvular diseases when conservative procedures are not possible. Current prostheses have outstanding haemodynamic features. Mechanical prostheses have a supposedly unlimited life span but require anticoagulant treatment. Bioprostheses do not need such treatment but end up to deteriorate and need reoperation. Both can be affected by valve-related complications (thromboembolic events, endocarditis deterioration, desinsertion...): an ideal prosthesis does not exist yet. All patients with valvular prosthesis require close follow-up, where echocardiography holds proeminent place.
Hanania
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Service de cardiologie Centre hospitalier Robert-Ballanger 93602 Aulnay-sous-bois. HOP.BALLANGER.CARDIO.@wanadoo.fr
D001705:Bioprosthesis; D006349:Heart Valve Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis / Q000592:standards; D019918:Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation; D006801:Humans; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D012008:Recurrence; D012086:Reoperation; D016896:Treatment Outcome