Evaluation of Factors Influencing the Operative Risk in Mitral Valve Replacement

Abstract

A survey of 48 consecutively operated cases, all with mitral valve disease, is presented. The operative risk is evaluated on the basis of a point scale based on preoperative variables including: heart volume, cardiac index, pulmonary vascular resistance, functional class and previous operation. We believe that the proposed point system can be helpful in the selection of patients who will benefit from surgical repair.