A two-year experience with supported autologous fascia lata for heart valve replacement

Over a two-year period 262 supported living fascia lata valves were implanted in 201 patients. Early results were satisfactory from the point of view of valve function. After several months it became obvious that autologous fascia lata valves behave very differently in each of the three positions. A critical analysis is presented of 193 valves that were available for follow-up. After two years' experience with this method of valve replacement, it is the opinion of the authors that supported, living fascia lata valves are unsuitable for tricuspid valve replacement. In the mitral position they have shown an increasing incidence of systolic murmurs and evidence of regurgitation. The supported fascia valves have given the best functional results in the aortic position; however, not enough time has elapsed to assess their long-term function.