The low profile bioprosthesis: results with 491 valves implanted in 453 patients for up to 5 years.

This report summarizes results of the first 453 consecutive patients who had 491 low profile bioprostheses implanted at the Italian Hospital in Buenos Aires over a 5-year period. During this time, with the goal of long-term durability, the valve mounting technique was slightly modified, whereas the materials and design of the annulus underwent more extensive changes.