A Consideration of Hemodynamic Criteria for Operability in Mitral Stenosis and in Mitral Insufficiency

Abstract

Six hemodynamic patterns seen in mitral stenosis are reviewed from the clinical and operative point of view, 3 of them identifying subjects who should have mitral surgery and 3 those who should not. The entire problem of the hemodynamic and surgical problems of mitral insufficiency is discussed and it is concluded that, in contrast to mitral stenosis, there is no definite information as yet as to the disturbance produced by a pure insufficiency, whether there must be an abnormal left ventricular function in order for insufficiency to become important, or if associated but mild mitral stenosis is the reason for such individuals becoming sympotomatic.