Evolución alejada del reemplazo valvular aórtico con prótesis mecánica: experiencia con prótesis de Starr-Edwards (1965-1974) y Bjork Shiley (1973-1981)

We compared the short and long term results of isolated aortic valve replacement in 98 patients receiving a Starr-Edwards (SE) prosthesis from 1965 to 1974 and 80 pts receiving a Bjork-Shiley (BS) prosthesis from 1973 to 1981 at our institution. Operative mortality was 20% (SE) and 6% (BS). Follow up information was obtained in 88% (SE) and 96% (BS) of pts discharged alive. The mean period of follow up was 8.2 and 6.7 years respectively. the 5 and 10 year acturial survival rates were 72% and 61% (SE) vs 89% and 83% (BS). Complications per 100 pt-years among pts with SE and those with BS were: systemic emboli 2.8 vs 0.6, major hemorrhagic events 1.25 vs 1.36, perivalvular leak 1.6 vs 1.15, endocarditis 0.31 vs 0.39, prosthetic thrombosis 0 vs 0.58 and ball variance 0.47 vs 0m respectively. Some of these differences may reflect shortcomings of the initial surgical experience during the period in which the SE prothesis was used, rather than different performance of both valves