Early surgery versus conventional treatment in asymptomatic very severe aortic stenosis.

Background: The optimal timing of surgical intervention remains controversial in asymptomatic patients with very severe aortic stenosis. We therefore compared the long-term results of early surgery and a conventional treatment strategy.

Methods And Results: From 1996 to 2006, we prospectively included a total of 197 consecutive asymptomatic patients (99 men; age, 63+/-12 years) with very severe aortic stenosis.

Comparison of early surgery versus conventional treatment in asymptomatic severe mitral regurgitation.

Background: The optimal timing of surgical intervention in asymptomatic patients with severe mitral regurgitation is unclear. We therefore compared the long-term results of early surgery with a conventional treatment strategy.

Methods And Results: From 1996 to 2005, 447 consecutive asymptomatic patients (253 men, age 50+/-15 years) with severe degenerative mitral regurgitation and preserved left ventricular function were evaluated prospectively.