[Hemodynamic effect of a mitral valve prosthesis].

Hemodynamic findings are analysed in 113 patients with different types of mitral prosthesis. Catheterization of the heart was carried out before the operation and during the late post-operative period. The gradient through the prosthesis was estimated for patients with different types of mitral valve prosthesis during the operation. According to our data, the tilting-disc valve prosthesis MKC-59 and the ball valve prosthesis MKC-25 are associated with the best gradients. Mitral prosthesis improves hemodynamic activity, but does not normalize it. The heart index remains lowered, while the pressure inside the pulmonary capillaries and pulmonary artery remains elevated, as compared to normal levels. Signs of mitral stenosis become more apparent during exercise.