The use of autologous fascia lata for cardiac valve replacement: preliminary results.

Since November 1969, 53 patients have been operated on at the Toronto General Hospital for cardiac valve replacement with valves fashioned from autologous fascia lata. Sixty-three such valves have been inserted, including single aortic and mitral, double and triple valve replacements. The preliminary results indicate that operative mortality, considering the status of the patient submitted to the procedure, is comparable to that of plastic prosthetic valve replacement at this centre. Early follow-up confirms that anticoagulation is unnecessary and thromboembolism can be avoided with this form of valve substitution.