[Aortic valve replacement with a bioprosthesis--which type of prosthesis?].

308 patients after aortic valve replacement by bio-prostheses were evaluated by questionnaire. The aim of the study was to estimate factors of risk for morbidity, which could be referred to the different xenogenic valve materials. After an average period of 41 months there was no statistical difference in postoperative status, such as exercise capacity, rate of survival and of freedom from thromboembolic events or repeat surgery. Although results of the early and intermediate postoperative period are satisfying with both types of valve prostheses a longer period of observation is required to draw distinct conclusions for xenogenic material related complications.