Valvotomy for Mitral Stenosis

Our interest in valvotomy for mitral stenosis extends back over several years, although it was not until Sep- tember, 1948, that our first patient was operated on. In June, 1950, we were able to report our experiences in nine patients, seven with successful operations (Baker, Brock, and Campbell, 1950). We are now able to report the immediate results on 100 patients treated by opera- tion, with a more detailed analysis and follow-up of the first 50, the last of whom was operated upon in May, 1951, so that all have been followed for six months, the majority for more than a year, and some for two to three years. Apart from two patients at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, the operations were done at either Guy's Hospital or the Brompton Hospital, and all by one surgeon. For the purpose of analysis and follow-up the two Baltimore cases have been omitted from the first 50.