In a twenty-month period, 396 Medtronic-Hall valves were inserted in 341 patients
belonging to a third world population group. Approximately 20% of the patients were
given anticoagulants. The total follow-up period was 353 patient years (mean 13 months
per patient). Late valve-related mortality was 3.6% patient years (excluding ring
leaks) with a valve failure rate (VFR) of 4.0%/patient year. The incidence of thromboembolic
complications was 6.8%/patient year while valve thrombosis occurred in 7 patients
(2.0%/patient year). Hemolysis was generally subclinical, but 2 patients without ring
leaks required transfusion. The initial late results compare favorably with those
of St. Jude Medical valve replacement in a similar population group. The supreme test
for any substitute heart valve is its successful application in a third world population
group because its inadequacies are highlighted by an increased VFR and morbidity.
Medtronic-Hall valve replacement - Late valve-related mortality - Hemolysis - Application
in a third world population group
