Results of valve replacement with the Lillehei-Kaster disc prosthesis

The results of valve replacement in 150 patients with Lillehei-Kaster aortic and mitral prostheses followed for 20 to 40 months are reviewed. Actuarial analysis showed 78 per cent cummulative thromboembolic-free rate three years following mitral valve replacement and 89 per cent following aortic valve replacement. Five patients had a total of six episodes of mitral valve thrombosis despite anticoagulant therapy. Early detection of mitral valve obstruction was difficult because a mid-diastolic murmur and absence of an opening sound was frequently encountered in normally functioning prostheses. Hemodynamic results assessed clinically in patients with non-thrombosed prostheses were satisfactory.