Status of Fifty Patients Four and a Half to Seven Years after Mitral Commissurotomy

The first 50 consecutive patients undergoing mitral commissurotomy approximately 4½ to 7 years ago have been subjected to a detailed analysis in an attempt to ascertain their present subjective and objective status. Operative mortality was 6 per cent and late mortality was 12 per cent. Forty-one patients (82 per cent) are living and have formed the basis for conclusions. After a comprehensive study of each living patient, including an appraisal of the patient's subjectively reported clinical state, as well as a correlation of the clinical findings, electrocardiographic tracings, teleroentgenograms, and catheterization data, we conclude that 29 patients (71 per cent of those living or 58 per cent of the original 50) are in better condition and living a more nearly normal life than they were prior to surgery.