Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis AFIC Experience

Abstract

Introduction: prosthetic  valve endocartitis is one of the most dreadful complications of valvular heart surgery with very high morbidity coverage and better surgical aseptic practices have reduced the incidence of early prosthetic valve endocarditis, though not eliminating  it.

Patients and Methods: The names of all the patients who were implanted prosthetic valves during years 1991-96 at AFIC by a single operator, were drawn from the record books. The medical record was reviesed and current follow up data obtained from clinic visits, letter and telephone contact with patients and from questionnaire sent directly to the patients.

Result: This study included patients operated upon by a single operator from January 1991 to December 1996. The total number of patients in this study were 198. The mitral valve was replaced in 126 cases(63.63%),aortic valve replacement in 42(21.21%) and double valve replacement in 30(15.15%) cases.

Discussion: Prosthetic valve Endocarditis (PVE) is one of the most dreaded complications of valvular heart surgery because of its high morbidity and mortality whether treated medically or surgically.