Prognosis and Characteristics Associated with Prosthetic Valve Thrombosis: Insights from a Brazilian Study

Since the 1960s, heart valve disease has undergone critical changes in its therapeutic strategy. The beginning of valve replacement surgeries using prostheses changed the prognosis of patients with valve disease worldwide. Annually, more than 280 thousand valve prostheses are implanted.

The incidence of valvular disease of degenerative etiology has increased in industrialized countries while, unfortunately, rheumatic heart disease is still often observed in many parts of the world, being the most prevalent etiology of valvular heart disease in Brazil. The mechanical valve prosthesis is the most indicated for younger patients, often affected by the rheumatic disease, which explains its relevance in our country.^–

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