One hundred and thirteen hospital survivors with mitral annuloplasty have been followed-up from 3--19 years. Actuarially 82.4 +/- 12.1% and 65.1 +/- 18.1% of all patients are expected to be alive at 10 and 19 years respectively. 90.1 +/- 5.9% of patients were predicted to be free from reoperation at 5 years postop, while at 10 and 15 years the figures are 77.2 +/- 13.9% and 53.8 +/- 23.9% respectively. Postoperative haemodynamic investigations, performed in 18 patients at a mean duration of 8.5 (range 4--11) years, showed significant reduction in both mean pulmonary artery and wedge pressures as compared to pre-operative values. 92% of patients were in grade I and II (NYHA) clinically at the latest evaluation as compared to 84% being in grade III and IV pre-operatively. Mitral annuloplasty provides statisfactory long term clinical and haemodynamic improvement in a selected group of patients and should always be considered in the management of mitral regurgitation.

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