The durability of bioprostheses in young people. Long-term results with intra- or extracardiac implanted porcine valves.

Forty two children and two young adults who were long term survivors of either intracardiac or extracardiac valve replacement with glutaraldehyde porcine valves form the basis of this report. The follow-up period varied from 6 months to 9 years. Ten of eleven intracardiac valves developed some dysfunction--the eleventh patient died from other causes. Of a total of 36 extracardiac valved conduits in the Rt side of the heart, four have needed replacement and an additional four will require replacement in due course. The probability of an event free performance of an intracardiac porcine valve is zero at 5 years. Four extracardiac valves there is in an 80% expectancy at 5 years and a 12% at 8 years of trouble free existence.